IRVINE, Calif– APU faced off against Western Washington Saturday afternoon on the second day of action at the GNAC/PacWest challenge hosted by Concordia. Despite a close game early on, a strong Viking fourth quarter was too much for the Cougars as the game finished 82-65.

APU battled hard against a Western Washington side who is projected first in the GNAC this season. Audrey Sayoc and Lauren Jones led the Cougars in scoring, both reaching double digits, with Sayoc scoring a season high 23 points with 3 assists, and Jones with 12 points. On the defensive side, Rome Falcocchia had 5 defensive rebounds and a block, while Nivia Glorioso recorded 2 blocks. 

The first quarter was back and forth, with the lead changing 4 times, and a five point run at the end of the first was all that separated them. The second quarter was even closer, with both teams scoring 15 points. Azusa Pacific went into the half still within striking distance, with the score 37-32 in favor of the Vikings. 

The story in the third quarter continued much the same, with both teams trading baskets. A 3-point shot with 5:30 left in the quarter from Lauren Jones saw the Cougars come within just 2 points of the Vikings. The end of the third saw the Cougars still trailing by 5, with each side scoring 21 points. Unfortunately, the Viking offense proved too much to handle as they went on a 15-0 run for the opening six minutes of the fourth, before finishing 82-65. 

Up Next: Azusa Pacific (2-3) look ahead to Saturday November 29th when it hosts Cal State Dominguez Hills in its final preseason tuneup before PacWest play begins. Tip-off in the Felix Event Center is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.