AZUSA, Calif. – Despite a pair of 17-point performances from Rachel Roderick and Lauren Jones, Azusa Pacific could not overcome Cal State Los Angeles, falling 73-61 on Tuesday night at the Felix Event Center in its home opener.

The Cougars went blow-for-blow with the Golden Eagles early, trailing just 17-14 after the first quarter and 31-29 at the half. But Cal State LA seized control coming out of the locker room, outscoring Azusa Pacific 21-12 in the third period to build an 11-point margin it would not relinquish.

Azusa Pacific continued to battle on the glass and at the rim, dominating the rebounding totals 51-38 and finishing with 28 points in the paint, but the Golden Eagles' pressure was too much for the Cougars. Cal State LA racked up 17 steals and turned 22 Cougar turnovers into 23 points, to keep APU at arm's length in the fourth.

Offensively, the Cougars generated plenty of looks but were unable to consistently convert from the perimeter, going 4-for-26 from beyond the arc.

Inside the Box Score:

• Roderick recorded a double double with 17 points, 11 rebounds, 5 blocks and 2 steals in just 26 minutes.
• Jones matched Roderick with 17 points, hitting three three-pointers and playing a team-high 31 minutes.
• Rome Falcocchia scored 12 points on 5-for-6 shooting while adding 7 rebounds and 4 steals without committing a turnover.
• Keisharna Lucas recorded 11 rebounds, giving Azusa Pacific three players with double-digit boards (Lucas and Roderick each finished with 11).
• Audrey Sayoc tallied 9 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists

Up Next: The Cougars travel to Irvine for the GNAC/PacWest Challenge where they will open the tournament against Seattle Pacific on Friday, Nov. 21. Tip off is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.