Toros Fall to APU in Final Seconds to Open 2016-17

Box Score SAN DIEGO -- Senior Imari Brown led all scorers with 25 points including 6-of-9 from the free throw line, but NCAA West Region Semifinalist Azusa Pacific capitalized on a Cal State Dominguez Hills foul with just three ticks left in regulation and the score tied to escape with a 70-68 win over the Toros to kick off the 2016-17 campaign.

Kayla Gillett added 18 and Jocelyn Diaz eight in the loss as APU boasted four players in double-figure scoring.

Azusa Pacific capitalized on nine Toro turnoves in the game's first seven minutes en route to building a 17-4 lead early, taking a 19-9 advantage after a forgettable first quarter.

CSUDH returned the favor with a 23-13 second quarter to even the game heading into the half.

After the Cougars took a four-point lead after three quarters of play, the Toros regrouped in the fourth, erasing a six-point deficit on two occasions, knotting the game at 64 on a Gillett layup, and taking a three-point lead on a Gillett 3-pointer after an APU turnover.

The Cougars took a 68-67 lead with 10 seconds left in regulation, only to have Gillett make one of two free throws to tie the game for the final time seven seconds later.

During the final sequence, APU's Gabrielle Kaiser was fouled with just one second left, and she drained both shots to account for the final tally.

Free throws proved pivotal for the Toros as they misfired on 15 of 28 attempts.

CSUDH battles host Point Loma tomorrow evening, with first tip set for a 6 pm start.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#03 Imari Brown: G; 5' 9"; Senior

#14 Jocelyne Diaz: F; 5' 8"; Junior

#20 Kayla Gillett: G; 5' 6"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#03 Imari Brown
: 5' 9"; Senior
: G

#14 Jocelyne Diaz
: 5' 8"; Junior
: F

#20 Kayla Gillett
: 5' 6"; Freshman
: G

Players Mentioned

#03 Imari Brown

#14 Jocelyne Diaz

#20 Kayla Gillett

Players Mentioned

#03 Imari Brown

#14 Jocelyne Diaz

#20 Kayla Gillett