by SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – Azusa Pacific opened the 2022-23 regular season on Friday at the CCAA/PacWest Challenge hosted by Cal State San Bernardino, and the Cougars came up just short against Cal Poly Pomona, falling 62-57 to the Broncos.
Amayah Kirkman (Acoma Pueblo) matched her career-high in points, scoring 17 on 6-for-13 shooting, which included five three pointers. Defensively, she tallied four steals. Joining Kirkman in double-figures was TyLee Manuel, who recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Kelly Heimburger, who added 10 points.
By the Numbers: Both teams struggled to take care of the basketball, with the Cougars finishing with 22 turnovers, while the Broncos had 21. Cal Poly Pomona scored 18 points off of turnovers, and the Cougars converted the Bronco miscues into 13 points. Azusa Pacific finished 36% from the floor (20-for-55) and 30% from downtown (9-for-30), and Cal Poly Pomona shot at a 39% clip (21-for-54), including 35% from three (7-for-20). The Broncos outrebounded the Cougars 38-31.
