Eagles can't contain Cougars in PacWest opener
Emily Duran
Box Score The Concordia Women's Basketball Team dropped its PacWest opener Thursday night, falling to the APU Cougars 57-75.
Azuza Pacific applied pressure on the Eagles early, jumping to a 12 point lead with 3:29 remaining in the first quarter. The Eagles snapped the Cougar run on two free throws from Gabby Johnson. Judith Espinoza chipped in with two more followed by Ugochi Anudokem to cut the lead to eight.
Sopavy Seng scored three consecutive points to start out the second, but the cougars did not relinquish the lead. Espinoza continued her precise shooting with two more free throws to end the second down seven.
At the break, Concordia's shooting numbers were 16.7 percent from the field and 12.5 percent from the three point range. The Eagles continued to excel where they have all season, making 9-13 from the line. The Cougars posted a stronger first half, shooting 12-34 from the field and 33.3 percent from the free throw line.
At the start of the third, APU showed they were not ready to let go of their lead. The Cougars continued to make shots, taking a 36-20 advantage with 7:51 to play. The Cougars continued to shoot and score, closing out the game 56-38.
Espinoza led the Eagles not only in points with 22, but defensive tenacity and free throw shooting. Espinoza went 9-12 from the line and added one steal, an assist and six rebounds. Anudokem posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
The Eagles look to claim their first PacWest win Saturday at 5 p.m. against the Dixie State Trailblazers in St. George, Utah. Â
