By Tim Peterson
(Glendora) – Azusa Pacific went on a 27-6 run over the last 12 minutes of the first half to lead 48-21 at the break and went on to a 93-62 win over Dominican Saturday at Felix Events Center.
Ken West scored 8 points during the run including two three pointers. Bryce Sloan also knocked down a three as did McKelary Robertson.
Hayden Gray was fouled and scored in the lane and Justin Hemsley threw down a jam that electrified the Cougar faithful. When George Reidy buried one from behind the arc to finish the run the lead was 27 and even though there was still another half to be played everybody in the building knew it was over.
West had 16 in the half to lead the Cougs, Robertson scored 10 and Sloan had 8.
For Dominican Marcus McCutchen led the team with 9 in the first half. The Penguins were down only 21-15 before the Cougars went on the blitz.
It was more of the same in the second half in what was mostly garbage time. West buried a couple more threes early in the half, Nate Kleppe connected on a three-point play and another bucket and Reidy continued to heat up with a pair of baskets.
With 8:02 left in the game the Cougars had opened up a 40-point lead at 82-42 and coasted the rest of the way.
“The defense really led to the offense going,” said Azusa Pacific Coach Peter Bond. “When our defense is playing well it clears the way for the offense. And as you saw tonight we have one of the best shooting teams when they are left open.”
The Cougars shot 56 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point land. They hit 12 threes overall in 27 attempts.
The Penquins meanwhile struggled shooting just 36 percent from the floor and 28 percent from behind the arc.
West led all scorers with 22 points and he also hauled in 8 boards. Azusa Pacific had six players in double figures. Reidy was 7 of 8 from the floor and scored 15, and Robertson finished with 14. Gray had 11, Kleppe added 10 and pulled down 8 rebounds and Sloan also netted 10.
For Dominican McCutcheon and PJ Volz led the team with 14 and Garrett Siebels added 10.
The victory was big for the Cougars as they attempt to secure second place in the PacWest. APU is 17-6 overall and 11-4 in conference, tied for second. The Penquins fell to 11-13 and 7-10.
Keep it rolling!!
Leroy, Leroy, you’re typing in your sleep again.
Embarrassing that APU couldn’t even put 100 on such a horrific opponent. Heads need to roll over that performance it’s time to hire a coach that can run an offense.