AZUSA, CALIF - Azusa Pacific fell to Chico State by a final score of 84-71 on Saturday evening to finish play in the Cougar Classic. 

McKelary Robertson led the scoring for the Cougars with 18 points, finishing 6-for-12 from the field and 5-for-9 from beyond-the-arc. Ken West picked up 15 points with a team-leading eight rebounds, and Nate Kleppe collected 11 points and two blocks. 

How it Happened: The Cougars fell behind quickly as Chico State took advantage of scoring opportunities in the paint and beyond-the-arc early to find themselves at a 12-5 advantage. It was two minutes before Azusa Pacific found their next scoring opportunity by way of a layup from George Reidy. The Wildcats went on an eight point run, but Kleppe's three point shot would close the lead to 17-12 with 10:57 remaining in the first half. The turning point in the first half came with four back-to-back three pointers for the Cougars by Bryce Sloan, Justin Hemsley and two from Robertson to take a 26-23 lead with 4:24 remaining. Chico State would come back to tie the game at 28 a piece and again at 30 a piece before two made free throws by Hayden Gray and a good three pointer at the buzzer from Robertson would put the Cougars up 35-30 heading into the second half. 

Despite the five point lead, the Wildcats came in strong in the second half with three good opportunities from beyond-the-arc to take a 39-38 lead, then Chico State went on a nine point run to take a 50-41 advantage with 13:05 remaining in the game. Three pointers by West and Kleppe would begin to close the gap, but the Wildcats offense would remain steady taking a seven point lead with less than 10 minutes left. Azusa Pacific would come within two at 62-60 with another made three pointer from Robertson and would eventually come within one at 68-67 after a layup by West with 3:41 left in the game. 

With the Cougars trailing 75-73 with one minute remaining in the game, Chico State's good layup allowed them to go up by four and then a turnover by the Cougars seemed to seal their fate of the game with :18 seconds left. After a few fouls from the Cougars and opportunities at the free throw line for Chico State, the Wildcats went on to win the game by a final score of 81-74. 

By the Numbers: In the first half, the Cougars made 50% of their shots from beyond-the-arc compared to Chico State who knocked down five out of 15 attempts. Azusa Pacific had double the turnovers that Chico State collected with 14 compared to the Wildcats seven, with Chico State taking advantage as they had 21 points off turnovers compared to the Cougars 12. Overall Azusa Pacific shot 42% from beyond-the-arc (11-for-26) and 40% in the paint (21-for-52), and defensively the team had three blocks and two steals. 

Up Next: Azusa Pacific will travel to Cal State Los Angeles to face the Golden Eagles on Tuesday, November 15th. Tip off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and if you cannot attend the game, you can follow the live states HERE.