AZUSA, Calif - On Saturday evening, Azusa Pacific defeated Holy Names by a score of 95-68, holding their lead over the Hawks for the entirety of the game. George Reidy led the team offensively, scoring a career-high 20 points, while McKelary Robertson and Ken West each knocked down 19. The Cougars shot 56.3% from beyond-the-arc as the team collectively knocked down a season-high 18 from downtown.
The victory moves the Cougars to 12-3 on the season and 7-1 in PacWest play. This is also Azusa Pacific's ninth consecutive win over Holy Names in the Felix Event Center.
How it Happened: The Cougars jumped out to an 8-2 start, when Reidy knocked down a field goal and a three pointer followed by one from beyond-the-arc from Justin Hemsley. Azusa Pacific held Holy Names to just single digit points through 11 minutes of play, but the Hawks began to close their deficit to just a five point margin at 19-14 in favor of the Azusa Pacific. Robertson proceeded to knock down three from downtown along with West collecting one all within three minutes to give the Cougars a 31-16 lead, which eventually turned into a 36-19 lead heading into the second half.
The Hawks had renewed energy in the second half and was continuously narrowing the Cougars lead through the first 10 minutes of play. Azusa Pacific found themselves only leading by eight points multiple times in the half as their offense tried to regain their footing.
Turning Point: With five minutes remaining in the game and the Cougars holding a ten-point lead, West came down court and knocked down two in a row from downtown to give Azusa Pacific a 12 point advantage. Reidy came through with a pull up jump shot and driving layup to the basket, along with a three-pointer from Nate Kleppe to give the Cougars a 79-59 lead.
After taking a 20 point advantage, Reidy, Christian Bood and Rico Hopping each came through from beyond-the-arc to give the Cougars a substantial 26 point lead. Azusa Pacific closed out the game earning a 95-68 victory.
By the Numbers: 11 different players scored for the Cougars, combining for a season-high of 95 points. Azusa Pacific shot 54.5% from the field with Reidy going 9-for-13 and Robertson going 7-for-10. Robertson and West each had a season-high five three-point field goals made and Rico Hopping knocked down a career-high three three-point field goals. As a team, the Cougars collected a season-high 24 assists led by Hayden Gray (6) and Bryce Sloan (5).
Up Next: The Cougars will travel to San Diego to face Point Loma on Wednesday, January 11th. The first and second place teams in the conference will tip off at 7:30 p.m. If you cannot attend, you can watch HERE.
