IRVINE, Calif. – The Concordia University Irvine women's basketball team challenged the nationally-ranked Azusa Pacific Cougars on Thursday night and were within striking distance of pulling off a big upset.

CUI outscored APU by four in the second quarter and it was a 34-31 contest when the second half began.

But after a tight first half, the Cougars were able to capitalize off a few turnovers to pull away for a 73-57 victory.

Camryn Kiernan led CUI with 13 points while shooting 3-for-5 from downtown. Erika Maggard also made multiple treys and finished with 10 points and two steals.

Freshmen Cadence Tarrant and Aly Pulsipher combined for 13 points, with Pulsipher providing a career-high eight off the bench.

Maggie Teven added 12 points and three rebounds, while Hannah Vela chipped in with five points and handed out a team-best five assists.

CUI outrebounded APU 35-32 but the Cougars shot better from the floor. APU ended up at 49 percent from the field while CUI was right around 36 percent on field goals.

Next up for the Golden Eagles will be a home date with Point Loma this Saturday, Dec. 14 at 5 p.m.

CLICK HERE for the full CUI women's basketball schedule