AZUSA, Calif. - The Felix Event Center sets the stage for another chapter in one of the region's most storied rivalries as Azusa Pacific (8-4) hosts the Biola Eagles (5-5). With both teams looking to climb the conference standings, the atmosphere in Azusa is expected to be electric for this mid-season showdown.
Series History
The Cougars have historically held the upper hand in this rivalry, boasting a 60-29 all-time record against the Eagles, including a dominant 31-13 mark when playing at home. This meeting marks the first time these programs have faced off since the legendary "Cornerstone Cup thriller" on February 27, 2025. In that contest, a last-second layup from Sydney Hani off a missed jumper beat the buzzer to secure a heart-stopping 62-61 victory for the Cougars at the Felix Event Center.
Previewing the Cougars
Azusa Pacific enters the matchup with a balanced attack led by Audrey Sayoc, who leads the team in scoring (12.3 PPG) and playmaking (4.4 APG). Lauren Jones remains a constant threat from the perimeter, having already knocked down 30 three-pointers this season while averaging 11.8 points per game. The Cougars have been particularly effective in their own gym, sporting a 5-1 home record as they look to protect their home court once again.
Scouting the Eagles
Biola is powered by the scoring prowess of Laney Grider, who leads the Eagles with 15.3 points per game and is a reliable 83% from the free-throw line. Grace Moyers provides additional spacing as a dangerous outside shooter, connecting on 37.3% of her attempts from beyond the arc. In the paint, Jaycee Goldsmith anchors the defense with 20 blocks and leads the team with 6.1 rebounds per contest.
With Sydney Hani no longer on the roster, forward Rachel Roderick has emerged as the defensive heartbeat for the Cougars. Roderick has been a force in the interior, leading the team with 33 blocks and 7.8 rebounds per game. Her ability to protect the rim and secure defensive boards will be critical in neutralizing Biola's high-percentage scorers and matching the physical presence of Goldsmith in the paint.
Trending Stats
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APU is 5-1 at the Felix Event Center this season.
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Audrey Sayoc leads the Cougar defense with 35 steals.
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Rachel Roderick is averaging nearly three blocks per game (33 total in 12 games).
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Laney Grider has scored in double figures in eight of Biola's 10 games this season.
Keys to the Game
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Protect the Paint: Rachel Roderick must continue her elite rim protection to prevent Grider and the Eagles from getting easy looks at the basket.
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Ball Security: The Cougars must manage the Eagles' defensive pressure, as Biola has recorded 106 steals as a team this season.
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Capitalize on Home History: Azusa Pacific must leverage their 31-13 historical home advantage to disrupt the 5-5 Eagles and maintain their momentum in the conference.
