IRVINE, Calif. - The Concordia University Irvine women's basketball team fought valiantly on Saturday night but their efforts came up short as they ultimately fell to Azusa Pacific University 75-69. The game was broadcast live on WatchESPN (ESPN 3).
The Eagles managed to hold the Cougars scoreless from behind the three point line all night but the Cougars converted 25 out of 27 free throws (21-21 in the fourth quarter) and shot 43.9% from the floor.
It was a back and forth game for most of the first half with the two teams trading baskets, enroute to a 13-13 stalemate after one quarter.
The Cougars managed to earn a slight edge at the half due to shooting 43.75% from the floor. The Eagles did their best to keep pace but went into the half down three, 27-24.
The Eagles had three players in double figures and showed their willingness to share the ball, racking up 19 assists on 26 made baskets.
Sophomore guard Jasmine Rachal dropped a team high 17 points to go along with three rebounds and a team high six assists. Rachal came alive in the fourth quarter, keeping the Eagles within striking distance.
"Tonight was a battle from the tip off to the final buzzer," said Rachal. "I couldn't be more proud of my teammates. The first time we played them we struggled greatly and this time we made them work every single time they had the ball. We gained a lot of momentum from this game and we are going to carry all the positives from tonight into the PacWest Conference Tournament."
Junior forward Michaela VanderKlugt put up 15 points, grabbed ten rebounds, and doled out four assists, good enough for her tenth double-double of the year.
The third Eagle in double figures was freshman guard Lainie James. James scored 12 points, shooting 80% on the night from behind the three point line.
"Tonight's loss is something to look at and grow from," said James. "We did all the big things really well and lacked only a few details. I knew my role as a shooter and made timely shots to provide a spark. We will come back stronger."
The Eagles look to have a date with APU for the third time this year but first must tackle Fresno Pacific University. CUI plays in the first round of the PacWest tournament, which is held at APU, on Thursday at 12:30pm.
