AZUSA, Calif. – The Cougar defense clamped down over the final three quarters to defeat Academy of Art by a 76-56 final Thursday evening inside the Felix Event Center.
Kelly Heimburger had a team high 16 points and 8 rebounds to pace the Cougars' attack.
How It Happened: The Cougars jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead, but the Urban Knights showed their mettle over the remaining seven minutes of the opening quarter, knocking down 3 three-point shots and making eight field goals in the quarter, taking the lead on two occasions and keeping the game tied at period's end, 20-20.
Sabrina Belquist would open the scoring in the second quarter with a long ball of her own that would prove to put the Cougars ahead for good, but the visitors were able to get to the free throw line often enough to keep the score competitive, pulling within one on multiple occasions, while the Cougars led at halftime, 38-33.
Turning Point: The Cougars still led by five after an Urban Knight free throw at 45-40 with a little over four minutes remaining in the third. The Cougars fired the ball down the court to
Amayah Kirkman, who buried a corner three. That shot would kickstart an 11-0 run over the next three minutes to stretch the lead to 16, and the Cougars would lead by double figures the rest of the way, pressing their advantage to as many as 24 in the final quarter.
By the Numbers: Heimburger led the team with 16 points, 8 boards and 5 steals.
TyLee Manuel had 14 points and 7 rebounds, while
Paige Uyehara added 14 points and 5 assists. After the first quarter, the Cougars held Academy of Art to 10-39 (25.6%) from the field. The Cougars grabbed 18 offensive rebounds in the game and converted 22 turnovers into 27 points. The Cougars lead the all-time series with Academy of Art 16-3, and have won the last 12 meetings, a streak that dates back to 2017. Coupled with other results in the conference, the Cougars officially clinched a spot in the PacWest Tournament with the victory.
Up Next: Azusa Pacific (19-3, 13-0 PacWest) return to the Event Center floor on Saturday afternoon when they host Dominican. Tipoff is scheduled for 1:15 p.m.
