OLIVER KIMOKEO | Sports Editor
After sweeping California Baptist in the regular season, the Cougars dropped their GSAC fi rst round game on March 5 against the Lancers, 73-62, as APU lost in the opening round for the fi rst time in four years. The Lancers’ offensive attack was energized by a masterful 49- point fi rst half performance. CBU had control of the game from the opening tip-off as fi ve Lancers scored in double-digits and took their lead up to 19 points in the opening moments of the second half.
The Cougars defeated CBU, 84- 69, in Felix Event Center last Friday but could not fi nd the same groove in Wednesday evening’s contest played in the Citrus College P.E. Gym.
The game was moved to the unfamiliar Glendora location because The Bible Experience took precedence on the same evening in the Felix Event Center.
Sophomore center Kristie Hala’ufi a had an inspiring bench performance with a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds. Junior forward Nikita Gordon followed Hala’ufi a in points with 11 and senior center Abby Johnson had 10. Senior guard Sarah Leathers contributed with a season-high 12 assists.
The Cougars are not eliminated from the NAIA Women’s Basketball Championship with the loss. APU has already clinched an atlarge berth based on the merit of their 24-7 overall record. The national tournament will be held in Jackson, Tenn. from March 19-25.
