AZUSA, Calif. — Despite holding a slim lead at the intermission, Azusa Pacific couldn't weather a second-half offensive explosion from Jessup, falling 68-61 to the Warriors on Saturday afternoon at the Felix Event Center.

The loss drops the Cougars (5-7, 3-4 PacWest) back below .500 in conference play, as they struggled to find their rhythm from the field, shooting just 34.5% for the game.

Jessup (7-7, 4-4 PacWest) was powered by a standout performance from Tom Parsons, who provided a spark off the bench with 17 points on a near-perfect 7-of-8 shooting. The Warriors dominated the interior, outscoring the Cougars 36-14 in the paint and shooting a collective 50.9% from the floor.

Azusa Pacific entered the locker room with momentum after Shant Chenorhavorian knocked down a three-pointer in the final seconds of the first half to give the Cougars a 29-28 lead. However, the Warriors responded with a clinical second-half display, shooting a blistering 65.4% in the final 20 minutes. Jessup outscored APU 40-32 in the second frame to secure the road victory.

Key Performers

• Tom Parsons (WJU): 17 points, 4 rebounds, 7-of-8 FG.

• DJ Sanders (APU): 12 points, 5-of-5 FT, 2 rebounds.

• Shant Chenorhavorian (APU): 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc.

• Tobias Aisien (APU): 11 points, 3 rebounds, 3-of-4 from three-point range.

• Aleksandar Mitrovic (WJU): 11 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals.