Rivaled In Azusa
AZUSA, Calif. --- Facing the top team in the PacWest conference, the California Baptist University Lancers knew they would have their work cut out for themselves Friday night. CBU fought but couldn't overcome an early hole, falling 76-63 to Azusa Pacific.
"It was not the best night, but we will learn from this and continue to improve," said head coach Jarrod Olson.
With the result, the Lancers drop to 8-9 overall and 6-5 in the PacWest, while the Cougars improve to 11-5 on the season and 9-1 in conference.
Only two CBU hoopsters finished the night scoring in double figures, led by Cassidy Mihalko's double-double. She grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds to add to her 14 points (5-for-11, 4-for-6 from three-point range). Kamille Diaz followed with 13 points.
CBU faced adversity early on as the Lancers found themselves in a 16-2 hole to open the game. Down 24-11, CBU went on a scoring rampage to cut the lead into single digits at 24-20 and 6:33 left in the half. All nine points came from Diaz, as she sank three shots from beyond the arc to give the visiting Lancers energy.
APU kept CBU at a distance, however, holding onto a 38-30 advantage at halftime.
The Lancers came out looking to make stops on defense, but the Cougars kept pressing. APU built back its double-digit lead before CBU could grab too much momentum, putting pressure on the Lancers to score buckets.
With less than a minute remaining, the Lancers tried to foul back into the contest, but APU made crucial shots at the line to keep its double-digit lead.
Mihalko sank a three as time ran out to end the scoring at 76-63 in favor of the Cougars.
CBU continues its stretch of road games as it heads to Hawaii for three contests. The Lancers return home on Feb. 8 for a rematch of tonight's rivalry with the Cougars, tipping off at 5 p.m. in Van Dyne.
