AZUSA, Calif. — The Azusa Pacific men's basketball team continues its homestand this afternoon, welcoming #22 Point Loma to the Felix Event Center for a pivotal Pacific West Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 4:00 p.m.

The Cougars (1-5, 0-2 PacWest) are looking to bounce back from a tough overtime loss to Chaminade and snap a five-game skid. They face a formidable test in Point Loma (8-2, 3-1 PacWest), who, despite their stellar start, are coming off a surprising 73-92 upset loss to Dominican.

SERIES HISTORY

Azusa Pacific holds a significant advantage in the all-time series, leading the Sea Lions 84-58. The home court has been a stronghold for the Cougars in this rivalry, where they boast a 42-21 record. However, the Sea Lions have had the upper hand recently; APU is seeking its first win over Point Loma since capturing the PacWest Tournament Championship on March 9, 2024.

PREVIEWING THE COUGARS

Azusa Pacific enters the game hungry to turn their season around. Although their record sits at 1-6, they have been competitive, forcing overtime against Chaminade in their last home outing.

Leading the charge is graduate transfer Shad Thomas, who is averaging a team-high 11.6 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. Thomas has been a model of efficiency, shooting 56.7% from the field and providing a reliable interior presence.

Junior guard EJ Bryson adds stability to the backcourt, averaging 10.3 points per game and with 22 assists. On the wing, Caleb Oden contributes 9.6 points and 5.7 rebounds per contest, giving APU a versatile threat who can score inside and out. Defensively, center Kaleb Taylor anchors the paint with 2.1 blocks per game (15 total), a skill that will be crucial against Point Loma's attack.

SCOUTING THE SEA LIONS

Ranked #22 nationally, Point Loma is off to a blistering 8-2 start with a 3-1 record in league play. However, they arrive in Azusa looking to wash away the taste of a 19-point upset loss to Dominican (73-92), proving they are not invincible.

The Sea Lions possess one of the conference's most potent offenses, averaging 84.1 points per game. Their attack is balanced and dangerous, featuring five players averaging double figures. Junior guard Tyce Paulsen leads the way with 13.4 points per game and is an elite shooter, hitting 48.2% of his three-pointers (27-of-56). He is supported by James Nobles (13.3 PPG) and Andrew Nagy (12.8 PPG, 6.7 RPG), making Point Loma a difficult team to guard one-on-one.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Shad Thomas (Azusa Pacific): To pull off the upset, APU needs to control the interior. Thomas (11.6 PPG, 7.6 RPG) will be key in battling Point Loma's frontcourt of Andrew Nagy and Andrew Hommes. If Thomas can score efficiently in the paint and limit the Sea Lions to one shot per possession, he gives the Cougars a fighting chance to control the tempo.

TRENDING STATS

• Rim Protection: Azusa Pacific's Kaleb Taylor has been a wall inside, recording 15 blocks in just seven games (2.1 BPG).

• Sharpshooting: Point Loma's Tyce Paulsen is lights out from deep, connecting on 48.2% of his attempts this season.

• Offensive Juggernaut: The Sea Lions are outscoring opponents by nearly 10 points per game this season (84.1 PPG vs. 74.6 PPG).

• Home Court Edge: History is on APU's side at the Felix Event Center, where they have won 67% of their meetings against Point Loma (42-21).

KEYS TO THE GAME

• Capitalize on the Upset: Point Loma just gave up 92 points in a loss to Dominican. The Cougars should look to attack early and test the Sea Lions' defensive confidence.

• Defend the Arc: Point Loma shoots nearly 39% as a team from three-point range. APU's perimeter defenders must stay attached to shooters like Paulsen and Nobles.

• Valuing the Ball: The Sea Lions force nearly 15 turnovers per game. APU's guards, particularly Bryson and Shant Chenorhavorian, must take care of the basketball to prevent easy transition points.

• Rebound the Misses: Point Loma has a strong rebounding corps led by Nagy (6.7 RPG). APU must box out relentlessly to finish defensive possessions.