SAN MARCOS, Calif. – Azusa Pacific used a third quarter surge to turn a halftime deficit into a seven point lead, but a cold shooting final period proved costly as the Cougars fell 58-52 to Cal State San Marcos in Friday's season opener.
Trailing by two at the break, APU entered the third quarter with renewed energy. Keisharna Lucas got the offense rolling with a strong take to the rim to pull the Cougars even at 22-22, and after a San Marcos three, Lauren Jones answered from deep to even the score again. From there, Azusa Pacific caught fire, knocking down four threes in the quarter and turning defensive stops into quick-strike offense. The Cougars outscored CSUSM 25-16 in the period and built a 45-38 advantage heading into the final 10 minutes.
San Marcos, however, had the last run in them. While CSUSM piled up 20 points in the final period, the Cougars' offense went quiet, managing just seven points in the 4th quarter. The Cougars still created chances late, but could not get the key shot to fall as San Marcos closed out the six-point win.
Inside the Box Score
- Lauren Jones led APU with 13 points and three made threes.
- Keisharna Lucas recorded 12 points, 10 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks.
- Audrey Sayoc added 8 points, 8 rebounds, 4 steals, and 2 assists with no turnovers.
- Rachel Roderick contributed 7 points, 6 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 2 assists.
- APU grabbed 21 offensive rebounds and forced 25 CSUSM turnovers.
Up Next: Azusa Pacific (0-1) will close out the CCAA/PacWest Challenge with a match up against Cal Poly Pomona on Saturday. Tip off in San Marcos is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.
