AZUSA, Calif. — Azusa Pacific battled early but couldn't slow down a red-hot Vanguard offense, falling 84–64 on Thursday night inside the Felix Event Center.

The loss drops the Cougars to 6-16 overall and 4-13 in PacWest play, while Vanguard improves to 12-10 and 8-8 in conference action.

APU kept things competitive in the opening half, trailing just 38-32 at the break. Shad Thomas set the tone early, attacking the rim and getting to the free-throw line, while DM Sanders knocked down key three-pointers to keep the Cougars within striking distance.

However, Vanguard found another gear after halftime. The Lions shot an efficient 63.3 percent in the second half and finished the game at 59.3 percent from the field, scoring 50 points in the paint and steadily stretching the lead into double figures.

Thomas led Azusa Pacific with 16 points, going a perfect 8-for-8 at the free-throw line while adding five rebounds and two blocks. Sanders contributed 12 points behind four made threes, and EJ Bryson added 10 points and four assists. The Cougars shot 38.9 percent overall and 36 percent from beyond the arc.

A decisive stretch midway through the second half proved to be the turning point. After APU trimmed the deficit to 48-38, Vanguard responded with a sustained run that pushed the margin to 20 and put the game out of reach.

Despite 17 bench points and strong free-throw shooting (13-of-15), the Cougars struggled to contain Vanguard's balanced attack, which featured five players in double figures.