SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Azusa Pacific is starting to look comfortable in the chaos. Behind a relentless second-half push and timely plays on both ends, the Cougars outlasted Westmont 70–66 on Saturday night at Murchison Gym, securing their third straight victory and continuing a midseason surge away from home.

In a game that featured nine lead changes and four ties, APU leaned on its depth and physicality late, answering every Westmont run with poise. The Cougars led for more than 26 minutes and never let the Warriors fully seize control down the stretch.

"We talk a lot about toughness and trust, especially on the road," head coach BJ Porter said. "This group stayed together, defended, and made winning plays when it mattered most. That's what APU basketball is about."

Shad Thomas delivered one of his most complete performances of the season, finishing with 21 points, 15 rebounds, five steals, and four blocks anchoring the Cougars inside and setting the tone with second-chance opportunities. APU finished with 16 offensive rebounds, repeatedly extending possessions and wearing down Westmont's interior defense.

Azusa Pacific's bench proved decisive, outscoring Westmont 35–15, while Tobias Aisien (16 points) and Shant Chenorhavorian (12 points on 4-of-5 shooting from three) providing timely scoring bursts. Chenorhavorian's triple midway through the second half swung momentum back to APU during a pivotal stretch.

Westmont threatened repeatedly, pulling even at 41-all early in the second half and trimming the deficit to one possession multiple times in the final five minutes. But each time the Warriors closed in, the Cougars responded, whether through a tough finish in the paint, a defensive stop, or clutch free throws.

"We're learning how to close games," Porter added. "That comes from defending, rebounding, and trusting the work we put in every day."

APU shot 46.4 percent in the second half and held Westmont to just 5-of-7 at the free-throw line for the game, a quiet but telling edge in a four-point contest.

With the win, Azusa Pacific continues to build confidence and consistency in PacWest play, proving it can win close games in hostile environments. For a team finding its rhythm, Saturday night felt like another step forward, and another sign the Cougars are building momentum at the right time.

Box Score Highlights
Azusa Pacific:  Shad Thomas – 21 Points, 15 Rebounds, 5 Steals, 4 Blocks

Westmont: Braedon Bigott – 19 Points, 3 Rebounds, 2 Assists

Key Stats & Notes

• Caleb Oden now has 700 career NCAA points
• The Cougars had a 35-27 advantage over the Sea Lions in the Bench Points category.
• The Cougars shot nearly 23% better from beyond the arc in the second half.

Up Next
The Cougars will look to keep the momentum going next Thursday with a Cornerstone Cup clash against Biola at 7:30 PM.