HONOLULU, Hawai'i – Azusa Pacific dug deep to grind out a hard-fought 59-57 victory over Chaminade on Saturday afternoon to conclude its Hawai'i trip. Amayah Kirkman posted a double-double, recording 19 points and 13 rebounds while adding six steals. Kelly Heimburger contributed 10 points and two blocks in the defensive slugfest.

How It Happened: The Cougars started with defensive intensity, forcing Chaminade into 13 turnovers in the opening period. A handful of Cougars chipped in points in the opening quarter, with Kirkman knocking down a three-pointer and adding a pair of layups, Heimberger sinking two jumpers, and Rome Falcocchia scoring four points in transition to give the Cougars a 19-8 lead at the end of the quarter. 

The Cougars' offense cooled off in the second quarter, as they shot just 2-for-16 from the field. The Silverswords capitalized, narrowing the gap with a 17-point quarter. Despite their struggles, the Cougars depended on their first quarter to cling to a 29-25 lead entering halftime.

Both teams traded runs in a physical third quarter. Audrey Sayoc contributed five points and a steal, and Heimburger added a pair of mid-range jumpers. The Silverswords managed to put 14 points on the board, staying within arms reach of the Cougars. Azusa Pacific ended the quarter leading 45-39.

In the final quarter, the Silverswords rallied to tie the game with under two minutes remaining, but Azusa Pacific was able to hold them off. Chaminade outscored the Cougars 18-14, but it wasn't enough to secure a comeback.

By the Numbers: The Cougars forced 29 turnovers, converting them into 24 points. Kirkman's double-double (19 points, 13 rebounds) highlighted a team effort that included 13 bench points. Azusa Pacific shot 27% from the field but made up for it with impressive defensive pressure and a 42-38 rebounding advantage.

Up Next: Azusa Pacific (14-1, 8-0 PacWest) will return home to face Vanguard on Wednesday, January 15, with tipoff set for 5:15 PM PST at the Felix Event Center.