AZUSA, Calif. — Azusa Pacific briefly steps away from Pacific West Conference play this afternoon, hosting the Nobel Knights for a non-conference matchup at the Felix Event Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
The Cougars (2-6, 1-3 PacWest) look to build momentum following a challenging December. They face a Nobel University squad (1-12) that is in its second year as a program and currently competes in the NCCAA Division I West Region.
SERIES HISTORY
Azusa Pacific and Nobel have met only once before, with the Cougars claiming an 89-53 victory on December 20, 2024.
PREVIEWING THE COUGARS
The Cougars enter today's contest aiming to sharpen their execution as they head into the heart of the conference schedule. Despite a 2-6 start, Azusa Pacific has shown defensive grit, particularly in the paint.
Graduate transfer Shad Thomas continues to be the engine for the Cougars, leading the team with 11.5 points and 7.1 rebounds per game while shooting 52.2% from the field. Senior guard EJ Bryson provides a secondary scoring punch at 11.1 points per game and leads the perimeter attack.
Keep an eye on Tobias Aisien, now a sophomore, who has been a consistent presence in the rotation this year, averaging 5.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per contest. The defensive anchor remains Kaleb Taylor, whose 19 blocks (2.38 per game) rank among the best in the country.
SCOUTING THE KNIGHTS
Based in Buena Park, the Nobel Knights are searching for their first win against an NCAA opponent. Currently 1-12 on the season, their lone victory came in a 95-62 win over Cal Miramar University in October.
The Knights are led by Mykale Mundy, who recently poured in 21 points in a matchup against Southern Utah. Junior guard Kevin Hymes is another primary threat, coming off a 20-point, 10-assist double-double against La Sierra. Nobel plays an up-tempo style but has struggled defensively, allowing opponents to score 85.4 points per game.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Tobias Aisien: The sophomore has a history of success against the Knights. After his 18-point outburst in last year's meeting, the sophomore forward will look to use his length and athleticism to control the glass and provide an efficient scoring option inside. With Nobel's interior defense yielding high percentages, this could be another "get-right" game for Aisien.
TRENDING STATS
Block Party: Senior Kaleb Taylor has recorded at least one block in every game this season, totaling 19 swats through eight contests.
Rebounding Margin: The Cougars have been productive on the offensive glass, with Shad Thomas and Tobias Aisien combining for nearly five offensive rebounds per game.
Scoring Struggles: Nobel University enters the game averaging 59.0 points per game, while shooting just 38% as a team.
Home Strength: Azusa Pacific has historically played well in non-conference home games, utilizing the altitude and environment of the Felix Event Center to pressure younger programs.
KEYS TO THE GAME
Early Pressure: In last year's meeting, the Cougars used their size and depth to pull away early. Establishing a lead within the first ten minutes will enable APU to rotate its bench and effectively manage minutes.
Interior Dominance: Between Thomas, Aisien, and Taylor, the Cougars have a significant height advantage. Feeding the post and winning the points-in-the-paint battle will be essential.
Limit Turnovers: The Knights look to score in transition off opponent mistakes. Clean ball handling from EJ Bryson and Shant Chenorhavorian will negate Nobel's fastest path to scoring.
Defensive Focus: While Nobel has struggled to win, players like Mundy and Hymes can get hot. Staying attached to shooters and preventing the Knights from finding a rhythm from deep will be a priority for the APU defense.
