HONOLULU, Hawai'i — Azusa Pacific battled for 40 minutes but couldn't overcome a first-half surge and Chaminade's late separation, falling 87–72 inside McCabe Gym on Tuesday night.

The loss moves the Cougars to 6-17 overall and 4-14 in PacWest play, while the Silverswords improve to 12-12 (10-8 PacWest).

Chaminade jumped out early, using a 10-0 run midway through the first half to build momentum and eventually take a 43-35 lead into the break. The Silverswords shot 41.7 percent in the opening half and controlled the paint and transition game.

APU kept within striking distance behind strong interior play from Shad Thomas and timely perimeter shooting from DM Sanders. Thomas finished with 16 points and 15 rebounds, securing 11 defensive boards, while Sanders poured in a team-high 23 points, knocking down five three-pointers.

The Cougars trimmed the deficit to seven multiple times in the second half, including a 77-70 margin with under four minutes to play. However, Chaminade responded at the free-throw line and capitalized on second-chance opportunities to stretch the lead back to double digits.

As a team, APU shot 25-of-68 (36.8 percent) from the field and 10-of-30 (33.3 percent) from beyond the arc, while converting 12-of-14 free throws (85.7 percent). Chaminade countered with 30-of-72 shooting (41.7 percent) and 17-of-22 from the line.

The Silverswords were paced by Nathan Medina's 26 points, while Kent King added 11 and Fletcher MacDonald chipped in 11. Chaminade also held a 45-42 edge on the glass and outscored APU 29-14 in fast-break points.

Azusa Pacific will look to regroup as it closes out the Hawai'i road swing and prepares for the final stretch of PacWest play.