AZUSA, Calif. – A career-high 31 points from Kelly Heimburger was overshadowed on Wednesday night as Vanguard held off Azusa Pacific with a strong fourth quarter to secure an 86-79 victory at the Felix Event Center.

Azusa Pacific rallied from a 12-point first-quarter deficit to take a brief lead in the third quarter. The Cougars were unable to hold off Vanguard's Emma Schaaf, who delivered a dominant double-double with 23 points and 12 rebounds. The Lions capitalized on a 17-10 assist margin to create efficient scoring opportunities.

Despite the strong 31-point performance from Heimburger, who shot 11-for-15 from the floor and added six rebounds, the Cougars couldn't overcome Vanguard's balanced scoring attack, as five Lions had points in the double digits.

Both teams saw success from beyond the arc, combining for 27 three-pointers. Audrey Sayoc,  Lauren Jones, and Amayah Kirkman all scored in the double digits.

Up next: With their first conference loss of the season, the Cougars fall to 14-2 overall and 8-1 in the PacWest, snapping their nine-game winning streak. The Cougars are back in the Felix Event Center on Saturday, January 18, where they will face Hawai'i Hilo. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:15 p.m.