AZUSA, Calif. – It wasn't pretty, but the Cougar women's basketball team remained undefeated in 2024, holding off Hawai'i Pacific by a final of 58-50 inside the Felix Event Center.  Amayah Kirkman led the way with 19 points and 9 rebounds in the victory.

How It Happened:  After spotting the Sharks the first basket of the game, it looked like the Cougars were going to cruise, going on a 16-3 run that spanned more than seven minutes and taking a 18-7 lead at the end of the first quarter.  But Hawai'i Pacific, who was the most recent team besides Azusa Pacific to win the conference, reminded everyone how stern a challenge they can provide, opening the second quarter on a 7-0 run of their own, then closing the period with a 8-1 outburst that closed the Cougar lead to just two points at intermission, 28-26.

Ninety seconds into the third quarter, the Sharks made a three to take a brief one-point lead.  That was when Azusa Pacific found the gas pedal, scoring on three straight possessions to reclaim the advantage.  The team continued to clamp down on defense, holding the Sharks to just 3-14 from the field in the quarter and stretching that run to 19-3 before all was said and done, putting the Cougars ahead 47-32.  Kirkman and TyLee Manuel provided 10 of the Cougars' 19 points during the run.  From there, the teams traded baskets until the final two minutes, with the home team leading by as many as 16 before emptying the benches.

By the Numbers:  Kirkman finished the game with 19 points and 9 rebounds, while Manuel had 15 points and 7 boards of her own.  Molly Whitmore had 9 rebounds as well, while Paige Uyehara chipped in 4 assists and 3 steals.  The Cougars forced 21 turnovers in the contest, converting them into 20 points.  Azusa Pacific was able to drag out extra possessions throughout the contest by grabbing 17 offensive rebounds.  The win is the Cougars' 20th in a row, dating back to November 24th against Western Oregon.  The Cougars have beaten Hawai'i Pacific 7 times in a row, and now lead the all-time series against the Sharks, 13-11.  

Up Next:  Azusa Pacific (24-3, 18-0 PacWest) will close out the home schedule on Saturday against Concordia.  Game time is scheduled for 4:15 p.m.  At the game, the Cougars will honor their senior class, the quartet of Paige Uyehara, Molly Whitmore, TyLee Manuel, and Kayden Casey.