AZUSA, Calif. – Azusa Pacific fell short in a close battle against Point Loma, falling 72-68 inside the Felix Event Center on Wednesday evening.
Amayah Kirkman led the Cougars with 19 points in the contest.
How It Happened: The Sea Lions got off to a hot start, putting a 9-0 lead on the Cougars in the opening minutes. The quarter was competitive as the two teams traded baskets, including a late three-pointer from
Elyse Mitchell to help the Cougars stay within striking distance, but Point Loma stayed hot, entering the second quarter up 21-16.
The second quarter proved challenging for the Cougars, as they struggled to find offensive rhythm, enduring a four minute scoring drought in the opening minutes. In the meantime, Point Loma extended its lead with a 7-0 run as the Sea Lions capitalized on Azusa Pacific's cold shooting stretch. The Cougars put up just 11 points in the quarter, heading into halftime trailing 37-27.
Coming out of the break, Azusa Pacific made its familiar third quarter push. Rachel Rodrick came in off the bench to make an immediate impact, scoring back-to-back layups to chip away at the Cougars' deficit.
Audrey Sayoc added to Roderick's hotstreak, sinking three three-pointers and making a pair of free throws to keep the Cougars alive. Azusa Pacific outscored Point Loma 25-22 in the frame but still found themselves down 59-52 heading into the final period.
In the fourth, Azusa Pacific clawed back, with
Lauren Jones's back-to-back threes keeping the game close. The Cougars took the lead for the first time in the game after Jones handled all three of her free throws after being fouled outside the arc. The lead would not last long, and despite two turnovers in a row by the Sea Lions in the last 90 seconds, the Cougars were unable to close the gap.
By the Numbers: Azusa Pacific shot 36.5% from the field (23-63) and knocked down 11 three-pointers. Kirkman led all Cougars with 19 points, followed by Sayoc with 18. Roderick chipped in six points off the bench. The Cougars forced nine turnovers and collected five blocks but were outrebounded 41-28. Though dropping both PacWest matchups this season, the Cougars still own the all-time matchup (71-42).
Up Next: The Cougars will look to bounce back at home next Thursday, Feb. 27 when they host Biola in the second Cornerstone Cup game of the season. Tipoff at the Felix Event Center is set for 5:15 p.m.
