COSTA MESA, Calif. — In a game defined by grit, composure, and timely shot-making, Azusa Pacific women's basketball authored one of its most dramatic wins of the season Thursday night, rallying from a 15-point deficit to defeat RV Vanguard, 74–73, in double overtime at the Freed Center.
The Cougars (12–5, 8–2 PacWest) trailed for nearly the entire contest, falling behind as much as 32–18 late in the second quarter and spending over 38 minutes playing from behind. But behind clutch performances across the lineup, and a refusal to fold, Azusa Pacific flipped the script in a game that featured six ties, four lead changes, and 10 minutes of extra basketball.
While the comeback required contributions up and down the roster, Audrey Sayoc delivered the backbone of the Cougars' offense. The senior guard poured in a game-high 26 points, attacking downhill, knocking down perimeter shots, and converting key free throws across both overtimes. Sayoc's poise late helped steady it through every momentum swing.
Lauren Jones provided the perimeter punch that kept the Cougars within striking distance. Jones finished with 24 points, burying seven three-pointers, several of which came during APU's third-quarter surge and late in regulation as the Cougars erased what once looked like an insurmountable gap.
It's rally began to take shape in the third quarter. After shooting just 25 percent in the opening half, the Cougars found rhythm on both ends, scoring 21 points in the period while forcing turnovers and generating second-chance opportunities. Jones hit a pair of triples, Sayoc attacked the paint, and the Cougars closed the quarter trailing by single digits after once being down 15.
Defense took center stage in the fourth. Azusa Pacific held Vanguard to just eight points over the final 10 minutes of regulation, repeatedly coming up with stops and timely rebounds. A late Jones three and a Sayoc layup pulled the Cougars even, forcing overtime after Vanguard could not capitalize in the closing seconds.
Both teams traded baskets in the first overtime, neither able to deliver the decisive blow. In the second extra period, Azusa Pacific finally found separation — and it came from a moment of calm confidence.
With the game hanging in the balance, Vanessa Parilla stepped into a clutch three-pointer, knocking it down to give the Cougars a late edge in double overtime. The basket proved pivotal, as they followed with a final defensive stand to secure the one-point road victory.
With the win, the Cougars remain firmly in the PacWest title hunt, earning a signature road victory that showcased their resilience, depth, and belief. Azusa Pacific will look to carry that momentum forward as conference play continues this weekend.
Box Score Highlights
Azusa Pacific: Keisharna Lucas – 4 Assists, 4 Steals, and 9 Rebounds
Vanguard: Emma Schaaf – 17 Points, 8 Rebounds, and 3 Blocks
