AZUSA, Calif. — In a matchup between two of the top teams in the PacWest, Azusa Pacific couldn't recover from a pivotal second-quarter run, falling 69–56 to Vanguard on Wednesday night inside the Felix Event Center.

The loss moves the Cougars to 17-7 overall and 13-4 in conference play, while Vanguard improves to 17-4 and 13-3 in the PacWest.

After a tightly contested opening quarter that ended in a 13-13 tie, the Lions seized momentum in the second period. Vanguard shot a blistering 64.3 percent (9-for-14) in the frame, including a perfect 4-for-4 from three-point range, outscoring APU 22-16 to take a 35-29 lead into halftime. The Cougars were forced to play from behind the rest of the way.

Rachel Roderick powered APU with a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double while adding five blocks on the defensive end. Elyse Mitchell provided a spark off the bench with 12 points, and Lauren Jones chipped in 10, including a pair of three-pointers.

The Cougars shot 39.3 percent from the field and 26.3 percent from beyond the arc, while Vanguard connected at a 45.9 percent clip overall and 42.9 percent from three. APU also went 7-of-12 at the free-throw line.

Vanguard placed five players in double figures, led by Kaylee Byon's 15 points and Shayla O'Neil's 14 off the bench, using balanced scoring and efficient perimeter shooting to maintain control throughout the second half.

Despite matching Vanguard with 32 points in the paint and forcing 16 turnovers, APU couldn't string together the defensive stops needed to close the gap in the final 10 minutes.

The Cougars will look to regroup as they head into the final stretch of PacWest play with postseason positioning on the line.