IRVINE, Calif. - Azusa Pacific dropped its final game of 2023 at Concordia by a final score of 65-56 on Saturday evening. Ken West led the scoring for the Cougars with 14 points, while Ethan Speaker collected seven rebounds.

How it Happened: Before being down 6-0 to open the first half, the Cougars began to claw their way back with a hook shot from Ethan Speaker and free throws from Bryce Sloan. Although Concordia maintained control, having the lead for the entirety of the first half, but back-to-back three pointers from Nashawn Holmes and West to end the first 20 minutes cut the Golden Eagle's lead from 25-17. 

Three points from Sloan to begin the second half found the Cougars within five points, but Concordia broke away again and eventually had a 38-26 lead. A layup by Speaker and jumper by Michael Saba had Azusa Pacific within 10 points at 40-30, and two jumpers from Trevan Martin and another shot from beyond-the-arc by West cut the deficit to seven at 42-49. 

The Cougars attempted to close the scoring margin, but the Golden Eagles continued to hold a steady lead throughout the remainder of the game and Azusa Pacific fell by a final score of 65-56. 

By the Numbers: Although the Cougars outscored Concordia from beyond-the-arc, shooting 26.7% compared to 20%, the Golden Eagles shot 49% from the field compared to Azusa Pacific's 37.3%. The Cougars 16 turnovers led to 20 points for Concordia and Azusa Pacific was only able to score five points off the Golden Eagles 11. West led the scoring with 14 points and George Reidy followed with nine points of his own. 

Up Next: Azusa Pacific will return to the Felix Event Center on Thursday, January 4th when they welcome Hawai'i Hilo for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off.