SAN RAFAEL, Calif. – Azusa Pacific couldn't overcome a second-half surge from Dominican, falling 69-60 Monday night at the Conlan Center in PacWest play.

The Cougars stayed within striking distance early, trading baskets through the opening quarter before Dominican edged ahead 12-11. Elyse Mitchell set the tone offensively for APU, attacking the rim and getting to the free-throw line, while Keisharna Lucas controlled the glass to limit second-chance opportunities. 

APU continued to battle in the second period, with timely buckets keeping the deficit manageable, but the Penguins used a late push in the final minutes to string together stops and scores, taking a 28-23 lead into halftime.

Dominican began to create separation coming out of the locker room, capitalizing on turnovers and knocking down perimeter shots to outscore the Cougars 19-14 in the third quarter and stretch the margin to 47-42. 

APU looked to respond behind Mitchell's scoring and Lucas' presence inside, but the Penguins put the game out of reach in the final 10 minutes, pouring in 27 fourth-quarter points while holding the Cougars to 18 to secure the home win.

Inside the Box Score:

• Elyse Mitchell led Azusa Pacific with a game-high 21 points, going 9-for-12 at the free-throw line.
• Keisharna Lucas added 13 points, a team-high nine rebounds, and two blocks.
• Rome Falcocchia chipped in eight points off the bench.
• Rachel Roderick pulled down nine rebounds and recorded three assists and three blocks.