A trimmed down Troy Leaf lead the Cougars to a win over Dominican.
By Tim Peterson
(Glendora) – Azusa Pacific blew it open in the second half t0 lead by 23 only to see Dominican come all the way back to cut it to three before finally holding on for a 74-71 win Saturday at Felix Event Center.
The Cougars led by two at the half and then went on a 29-8 run in the third quarter to lead 59-36 with 6:52 left. Azusa Pacific had seemingly iced it but Dominican battled all the way back and was one possession down with just over a minute remaining. As hot as the Cougars were to begin the half, they went stone cold allowing Dominican to outscore them 28-7 to get new life.
A basket by Andy Jones underneath followed by a steal and a bucket by guard Troy Leaf with 15 seconds left finally sealed it for APU. The 74-71 score was the same score the Cougars beat Dominican earlier this year.
Leaf was two for two from three point land and six for 12 overall to lead APU with 22 points. 17 of those came in the second half. Running mate Robert Sandoval added 15 and Will Ward was also in double figures with 10. The Cougars shot 43 percent from the field and 66 percent from the free throw line.
APU had trouble on the glass and were badly outrebounded by Dominican 49-34. Peter Kutlesic led the Cougs with nine and Christian Katuala grabbed eight. Matt Hayes led all rebounders with 12 for the visitors.
Hayes was also the go to guy offensively for Dominican with 28 points. Hayes was four of eight from three and 12 for 21 overall. Dominique Taplin finished with 1o points and six boards. Dominican shot 36 percent from the floor for the game.
With the win APU improved to a perfect 7-0 in the PAC West and 14-1 overall. Dominican is 6-9 and 3-4.
DO 28 43 71
AP 30 44 74
Leave a Reply