Surged Out

Saturday, December 5

Azusa, Calif.

5:30 PM

California Baptist University

7-1, 1-1PacWest

Azusa Pacific

8-2, 2-0PacWest

California Baptist

Azusa Pacific

Photo by: Sammi Wellman

12/5/2015 7:21:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

By: Sammi Sheppard, Director of Sports Information

AZUSA, Calif. — For the first time in a very long time, No. 2-ranked California Baptist University saw a team hang with it until the final quarter. After a slow start, the Lancers settled into a groove, but couldn't hold onto their lead, falling 74-63 to Azusa Pacific.

The loss drops CBU to 7-1, 1-1 in the PacWest, snapping a seven-game unbeaten streak. The Cougars, who are receiving votes in the NCAA Division II poll and had all five starters score in double figures, improve to 8-2 overall and 2-0 in conference.

Two Lancers finished the night with double-doubles in Cassidy Mihalko (18 points, 12 rebounds) and Darsha Burnside (14 points, 13 rebounds). Kamille Diaz chipped in 13 points, while Courtney Nelson rounded out the four CBU hoopsters scoring in double-digits with 10 points.

Neither team could score a bucket during the first two minutes of live action. CBU kept pushing, waiting to create some distance from the Cougars and found it at the end of the 10-minute period. Erin Asher hit a jump shot and Diaz followed with an old-fashioned three-point play to give the Lancers the biggest lead of the game so far, 20-14.

The Cougars cut the margin to just two points, 22-20, but CBU scored 11-straight points to take a commanding 13-point lead, 33-20. Mihalko laid it up and in to start the run and three-consecutive triples — two from Mihalko and one from Diaz — fueled the run before APU could regain its footing. CBU kept its distance, though, walking into halftime with a 35-24 upper hand on the home team.

Coming out of the break, APU opened the third quarter with gusto and cut the score line within just one point, 38-37. Diaz kept the Lancers in front by stopping the spree, giving some cushion.

Baskets weren't falling for CBU as APU tied the score at 40-40. The Lancers kept their composure and Burnside finished her and-one opportunity to keep her team in front, 43-40.

The Cougars kept pushing, however, and took over the lead with less than a minute left in the third, 45-44.

CBU came out determined to make stops on defense in the final quarter and got back its lead in the opening minutes. Mihalko grabbed an offensive board and muscled her way to the basket to put the visitors back in front and Diaz followed by driving to the basket to put the Lancers up 48-45.

The Lancers weren't out of the danger zone just yet, though, as APU keyed in on defense and made crucial shots on offense and took its biggest lead with under four minutes to play, 64-56.

Mihalko made two free throws to cut the margin to seven and the Lancers proceeded to try to foul back into the game with a minute left on the clock.

Unfortunately for CBU, APU made its shots at the line, sealing the 74-63 victory.

The Lancers will look to bounce back on the road as they head to the Pacific Northwest next week. CBU takes on Saint Martin's on Friday, Dec. 11th, before challenging Western Oregon the next day. The Lancers return to the Van Dyne Gym on Dec. 19, hosting PacWest-foe Point Loma at 5:00 p.m.