AZUSA, Calif. — AZUSA, Calif. — From the opening tip, Azusa Pacific made it clear Tuesday afternoon that the Felix Event Center was about to become a runway.

Azusa Pacific shot 48.1% from the field, outscored Nobel 48–18 in the paint, and turned defense into offense with 21 fast-break points. The Cougars also dominated depth minutes, pouring in 61 bench points while forcing 18 Nobel turnovers that led directly to easy looks at the rim.

The tone was set early. APU erupted for 52 first-half points, shooting 50 percent and closing the opening period on a decisive run that turned a brief tie into a commanding 52–20 halftime lead. Multiple dunks during that stretch, including finishes in transition and on second-chance opportunities, energized the home crowd, and showcased the Cougars' athletic identity.

Balanced scoring followed all afternoon. Kaleb Taylor was a perfect 6-for-7 from the floor with 12 points and nine rebounds, while Tobias Aisien added 11 points and steady playmaking. Shad Thomas went 5-for-5 en route to 10 points, several coming on emphatic finishes at the rim, and Souleymane Barro matched that output with 11 points of his own, including a late fast-break dunk that capped the eight-dunk performance.

APU's ball movement was just as sharp, totaling 25 assists on 37 made field goals and consistently collapsing the defense before delivering to cutters and rim runners.

Nobel was held to 26.4% shooting overall and just 2-for-9 from three-point range as the Cougars' defensive pressure disrupted rhythm throughout the game.
For Azusa Pacific, the result was more than just a lopsided scoreline. It was a clear snapshot of what Head Coach BJ Porter wants his team to be fast, connected and explosive above the rim.
 

UP NEXT

Azusa Pacific takes its newfound momentum back into conference play as they travel to face Westmont on Jan. 3. The Cougars will look to carry their vertical dominance and defensive intensity into Santa Barbara as they aim to climb the PacWest standings.