MidValleySports.Com

By Tim Peterson

(Azusa) – Azusa Pacific went on a 14-4 run to open the game and then broke it wide open in the second half in an 89-53 rout of Nobel Friday night at Felix Event Center.

After the opening burst the Cougars maintained that lead throughout the first half to lead 40-27 at the break.

Chris Gayles Jr. scored 11 points to lead the way for APU in the first half. Charlie Gehler hit three consecutive three pointers early in the half as the Cougars forged ahead and had nine points while Michael Saba scored six including a slam at the 6:32 mark that rocked the house and rattled the rim. Tobias Aisien also added six points. 

For Nobel Sparsh Kadayan led the team with 13 as Nobel tried to stay within striking distance. 

Azusa Pacific came our firing in the second half and landed the knockout punch. The Cougars went on a 23-6 run to open the half and just like that they were up by 30 at 63-33 and coasted the rest of the way. 

Aisien heated up in the second half and led the team in scoring with 18 points. Aisien was 6 of 12 from the field including a three. Gayles was also in double figures with 15 as he hit 2 of 4 from beyond the arc and was 5 of 7 from the field overall. Gehler finished with 11 after the big first half, and Josh Hardeman came alive in the second half with 10. Saba and Deen Abdur-Rahmann had eight and Jordan Hansen scored seven. 

The Cougars shot 47 percent from the field for the game and 51 percent in the second half. Azusa Pacific also outrebounded the Knights 43-31. 

For Nobel Kadayan took scoring honors with 17, and Anthony McManus had 14. 

With the victory the Cougars got back to .500 at 6-6.