ATHERTON, Calif. — In its first conference matchup of the season, Azusa Pacific won 74-64 against Menlo behind a combined 40-point performance from Ethan Speaker and Jordan Hansen. Each player scored 20 points, and together they grabbed 13 rebounds.

While Speaker and Hansen led the Cougars offensively, the Azusa Pacific bench contributed 22 points, including 12 from Michael Saba.

This marked the first meeting between the two teams since 2003 and the first time the Cougars and Oaks have played as Conference opponents.

How it Happened: The game started with both teams exchanging baskets, with Azusa Pacific holding a slim lead. With 8:53 left in the first half, Maui Sze sank back-to-back free throws, and Speaker followed with two quick layups, pushing the Cougars to a 21-12 lead.

Azusa Pacific maintained its lead for the remainder of the half, stretching it to 11 points by halftime thanks to a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Charlie Gehler.

The Cougars carried that momentum into the second half, with Hansen knocking down a three-pointer to extend the lead to 14. He would hit another triple soon after to push the lead to 49-32.

Menlo began chipping away at the deficit, narrowing the gap to eight points with five minutes remaining. However, a fast-break layup from Speaker and a dunk from Hansen pushed the Cougars' lead back to 12.

In the final moments, Menlo managed another layup to bring the game within seven points, but it was too late. In the final 30 seconds, Hansen and Speaker combined for three clutch free throws to seal the 74-64 victory.

By the Numbers: Although Hansen and Speaker put on quite the show, the win was a complete team effort. Azusa Pacific set a season-high with 16 free throws and grabbed 43 rebounds. Both Hansen and Kaleb Taylor led the team with eight rebounds each. However, the Cougars continue to struggle with ball control, finishing the game with 15 turnovers which marks the seventh consecutive game with double-digit turnovers.

Up Next: With the win, the Cougars improve to 4-3 overall and 1-0 in conference play. They will continue their NorCal road trip on Dec. 7 against Dominican at 3:30 p.m. This marks their third game of a six-game road stretch.