AZUSA, Calif. — The Azusa Pacific women's basketball team continues its homestand this afternoon at the Felix Event Center, welcoming longtime rival Point Loma for a massive Pacific West Conference clash. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.

The Cougars (5-4, 3-1 PacWest) enter the contest riding the high of their most dominant performance of the season, a 36-point victory over Chaminade earlier this week. They now turn their attention to a Sea Lions squad that has had their number recently, adding extra fuel to this historic rivalry.

SERIES HISTORY

Azusa Pacific holds a commanding advantage in the all-time series, leading 71-42. Their home court has been a particular fortress for the Cougars against the Sea Lions, where APU boasts a 42-13 all-time record. However, recent history favors the visitors; Azusa Pacific is looking to snap a skid and secure their first win over Point Loma since February 10, 2024.

PREVIEWING THE COUGARS

It looks to be hitting its stride at the perfect time. The Cougars are coming off an explosive 91-55 victory over Chaminade on Wednesday, a game in which the offense clicked on all cylinders.
Senior guard Lauren Jones headlines the attack. She leads the team in scoring at 11.7 points per game and is the team's most dangerous deep threat, having drained 25 three-pointers this season. Jones is fresh off a torching of Chaminade where she poured in points efficiently from the perimeter.
Running the show is graduate guard Audrey Sayoc, who has been a two-way force. Sayoc is averaging 10.7 points and a team-high 4.7 assists per game. Perhaps more impressively, she anchors the defense with 2.6 steals per contest, constantly disrupting passing lanes and fueling APU's transition game.
In the frontcourt, sophomore Rachel Roderick provides a distinct advantage. She is averaging a near double-double with 10.8 points and 7.7 rebounds per game while serving as the anchor of the defense with an incredible 2.7 blocks per game (27 total blocks on the season).

SCOUTING THE SEA LIONS

Point Loma arrives in Azusa boasting an impressive 8-2 overall record (4-0 PacWest), and riding a strong start to conference play. The Sea Lions are outscoring opponents by an average of over 11 points per game and holding teams to just 60.3 points per contest.
The offense is led by junior guard Izzy Navarro, who tops the team with 13.2 points per game and serves as the primary playmaker with 56 assists on the season. She is joined by sophomore forward Ruby Vlahov, a versatile threat averaging 12.6 points and 6.6 rebounds while shooting a blistering 56.7% from the floor.
In the paint, Hannah Golan is a force to be reckoned with. The senior forward averages 11.8 points and a team-high 8.1 rebounds, providing the Sea Lions with a physical interior presence that rivals APU's own frontcourt.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Rachel Roderick (Azusa Pacific): In a rivalry game that often comes down to grit and defense, Roderick is the X-factor. Her ability to alter shots (27 blocks in 10 games) completely changes how opponents attack the paint. Today she faces a tough test in Point Loma's Hannah Golan and Ruby Vlahov. If Roderick can stay out of foul trouble and control the glass, she forces Point Loma to become a jump-shooting team, playing right into the hands of APU's perimeter defense.

TRENDING STATS

• Thievery: Audrey Sayoc has 26 steals on the season, more than double any other teammate, highlighting her role as the defensive catalyst.
• Sea Lions' Defense: Point Loma's defense is stingy, allowing only 60.3 points per game and holding opponents to just 33.9% shooting from the field this season.

KEYS TO THE GAME

• Feed the Hot Hand: Lauren Jones is shooting with confidence. APU needs to look for her early in transition and off screens to stretch the Sea Lions' defense.
• Battle of the Boards: This matchup features two elite rebounding forwards in Roderick (7.7 RPG) and Golan (8.1 RPG). The team that controls the glass and limits second-chance points will likely come out on top.
• Ball Security: With Izzy Navarro (32 steals) and Hannah Golan (21 steals) active in the passing lanes, APU must take care of the basketball to avoid fueling Point Loma's transition offense.