by AZUSA, Calif. – Azusa Pacific celebrated its 200th conference victory since joining the NCAA and the PacWest Conference with an 85-53 win over Fresno Pacific at the Felix Event Center. Amayah Kirkman led the Cougars with 22 points, while three other players reached double digits, with Kelly Heimburger recording 14, Lauren Jones putting up 11, and Elyse Mitchell reaching 10.
How It Happened: Azusa Pacific took control of the game right from the opening tip, as they held the Sunbirds to just nine points in the first quarter. The Cougars forced eight turnovers in the period, turning them into 10 points to establish an early 16-9 lead.
In the second quarter, the Cougars’ offensive rhythm kicked into gear. Four three-pointers, including three from Lauren Jones late in the quarter, helped extend their advantage. Although the Sunbirds cut the deficit to nine at halftime, Azusa Pacific entered the break with a comfortable 40-31 lead.
The Cougars’ third quarter was where the Cougars yet again pulled too far ahead to be caught, as they outscored the Sunbirds 25-12. Their defense continued to stifle Fresno Pacific, forcing four turnovers and holding the Sunbirds to 31% shooting in the quarter. Azusa Pacific entered the fourth quarter with a 65-43 advantage. The Cougars continued their trend of dominating the third quarter, marking their third consecutive game of pulling away decisively in the period. This run includes a 37-9 third-quarter performance against Nobel and a 36-15 period against Jessup.
The final 10 minutes were no different, as the Cougars’ bench stepped up to close out the game. They put up 20 more points while holding the Sunbirds to just 10, finishing with a decisive 32-point margin to remain perfect in conference play.
By the Numbers: The Cougars shot 42% from the field and knocked down 11 three-pointers, compared to Fresno Pacific’s 30% shooting and seven threes. Azusa Pacific’s defense forced 24 turnovers and turning them into 21 points. They also dominated in transition, scoring 18 fast-break points. All players off the bench saw minutes, combining for 29 points.
Kirkman led the way with a stellar 22-point performance, adding three steals and three rebounds. Heimburger contributed 14 points and six rebounds, while Jones added 11 points and six rebounds of her own. Audrey Sayoc quietly played a key role, leading the team with six assists and four steals
