Azusa Pacific Survives, Advances

Cydnie Jones drives for two against Montana State. (Photo by Duane Barker)

Cydnie Jones drives for two against Montana State. (Photo by Duane Barker)

By Tim Peterson

(Azusa) – Azusa Pacific survived a late rally and went on to beat Montana State Billings 83-75 Friday night in the first round of the NCAA West Regional at Felix Event Center. 

The Cougars led comfortably late in the game but MSU Billings continued to foul and had a couple of steals to cut the lead to 79-75 with 17 seconds left. But the Cougars responded with a pair of free throws and eventually held on for the eight point victory.

Azusa Pacific’s balanced attack was too much for MSB’s one woman show. Kelly Hardeman and Allison Greene had 17, Cydnie Jones scored 16 and Maggie Dumphy and Miriam Zabinsky had 13 and 11 respectively. For Montana State Billings Alisha Breen poured in 31. Kylee Kane added 14 for MSB but it was Breen who was the go to girl all night.

Montana State Billings led early 15-8 but a 14-0 run by the Cougars erased the deficit and gave APU a 19-15 lead. The Cougars led 21-17 after one. They increased the advantage to 39-29 at the half. MSB cut the lead to seven at the end of three and looked to be dead with just over a minute left before making one last run.

“I don’t think our girls realized how desperately Montana State wanted to continue playing. They’re a great team and they fought all they way to the end,” said APU HC T.J. Hardeman. “We didn’t match their intensity at then end but I think we learned a lesson tonight.”

Allison Greene glides in for a basket in the win over Montana State. (Photo by Duane Barker)

Allison Greene glides in for a basket in the win over Montana State. (Photo by Duane Barker)

Hardeman was pleased with the Cougars balanced scoring attack.

“That’s kind of what we’ve done all year. Different teams try to take away different things and we know that if you’re open in this particular area we want you to shoot it. We expect you to shoot it,” Hardeman said.

Each team shot 46 percent from the field but the Cougars outrebounded Montana State Billings 43-28.

Azusa Pacific will now face UC San Diego Saturday night in the second round.

 

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