By Tim Peterson
(Azusa) – Azusa Pacific, 12-14 overall coming into the game, stayed with Biola (21-6) coming in, through the first 36 minutes but fell short in the last four in a 77-72 loss to the Eagles Thursday night at Felix Event Center.
The Cougars were down by just one at 68-67 with just 3:52 left but Biola hit some big free throws down the stretch, specifically former Pasadena Bulldog Davian Brown, who nailed six consecutive free throws to put the game away.
The game was tied nine times and there were 15 lead changes overall as the teams traded blows, especially in the second half.
The Cougars were down by two at halftime but Maui Sze hit a three early in the second half to give APU a 38-37 lead.
Shant Chenorhavorian knocked down a three with 11:50 left to put APU up by one at 47-46 and Sze hit another bucket a minute later to make it 52-49.
A Brown break away lay-up put Biola back up 61-60 with just under seven minutes remaining.
The Eagles led by one with 3:52 left when Brown hit six in a row to make it 74-67 with 1:07 left and Biola secured the victory.
Biola jumped out to a 10-2 lead to open the game and kept the lead the entire first half. Azusa climbed back into it and was able to get within two at 35-33 when the first half came to a close.
Sze had six points for the Cougars in the first half including two consecutive threes late in the half after APU fell down by eight. Kaleb Taylor and Chenorhavorian also each scored six. Taylor also hauled in seven rebounds.
For Biola Casey Cappo and Brown each scored ten as Brown hit a pair of threes. Daniel Esparza had six.
Biola outrebounded APU 24-18 in the first 20 minutes.
Azusa Pacific gave Biola all it wanted in the last 20 minutes but ultimately came up short.
Sze had a big game finishing with 20 points to lead the Cougars. Chenorhavorian had 12 and Jordan Hansen and Michael Saba each added nine. Taylor ended up with eight points and 10 rebounds.
For Biola Brown led the way with 22 points which included 6 for 6 from the line. Esparza had 20, Erik Howlin scored 12 and Cappo finished with 10.
With the victory the Eagles improved to 22-6 overall and 16-4 in the PacWest Conference. Azusa Pacific fell to 12-15 and 7-12.
BIO 35 42 77
APU 33 39 72
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