AZUSA, Calif. - The Azusa Pacific men's basketball team returns to the Felix Event Center tonight to continue Pacific West Conference play, hosting the Chaminade Silverswords for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off.

The Cougars (1-5, 0-2 PacWest) are looking to snap a four-game skid and secure their first conference victory of the B.J. Porter era against a red-hot Chaminade squad (5-4, 3-0 PacWest) that sits near at the top of the league standings.

SERIES HISTORY
Azusa Pacific holds a commanding lead in the all-time series, boasting a 15-7 record against the Silverswords. The Felix Event Center has been a particular fortress for the Cougars in this matchup, where they hold a 7-2 advantage all-time. However, Chaminade has had recent success in the conference, looking to reverse their historic road struggles in Azusa.

PREVIEWING THE COUGARS
Azusa Pacific is looking to get back in the win column after a tough start to December. The Cougars are coming off a difficult league stretch and will rely on their home court to find an offensive rhythm.

Leading the charge for APU is graduate transfer Shad Thomas, who has been a force in the paint. In the Cougars' lone win of the season against Cal State LA, Thomas posted a dominant double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Senior center Kaleb Taylor provides additional interior presence, also reaching double figures in that victory with 11 points and 6 boards.

In the backcourt, senior point guard Shant Chenorhavorian continues to facilitate the offense. His ability to stuff the stat sheet was on full display in the win over the Golden Eagles, where he tallied 11 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Sophomore Tobias Aisien has also been a steady contributor, averaging 6.2 points and 5.2 rebounds while providing defensive length on the wing.

SCOUTING THE SILVERSWORDS
Chaminade arrives in Southern California riding a wave of momentum, currently undefeated in PacWest play. The Silverswords boast one of the conference's most potent offenses, averaging 81.2 points per game, which ranks third in the league.

The attack is spearheaded by Nathan Medina, who is lighting up scoreboards with an average of 17.7 points per game on 44.7% shooting. He is supported by a balanced supporting cast, including Kent King (14.7 PPG, 6.6 RPG) and Roland Banks II (13.0 PPG), making the Silverswords a difficult team to defend one-on-one.

KEYS TO THE GAME

• Tempo Control: Chaminade thrives in a high-scoring, up-and-down game. Azusa Pacific, which allows 71.7 points per game, will need to control the pace and force the Silverswords to execute in the half-court.

• Defending the Arc: Chaminade's offense is perimeter-oriented. APU's perimeter defenders, led by Aisien and Chenorhavorian, must contest shots early to prevent Medina and King from finding a rhythm.

• Paint Dominance: With Thomas and Taylor inside, the Cougars have the size advantage to punish Chaminade on the glass and in the paint, potentially slowing down the Silverswords' transition attack.