AZUSA, Calif. – The Chaminade University women's basketball team completed their first mainland trip of the season, falling 87-38 to No. 24 Azusa Pacific Saturday at the Felix Events Center.
The Silverswords, who fell to 3-7 overall and 3-4 in the Pacific West Conference, suffered through a dismal first half as they dropped their fifth straight.
Carissa McBride and
Courtney Kaupu had 12 points each for Chaminade. McBride also pulled down nine rebounds while
Taylor Babbitt had eight boards.
Chantal Yadao had a team-best three assists.
The Cougars improved to 12-2 overall and 6-0 in the PacWest. Elana Ala had a game-high 20 points for Azusa Pacific.
Kaupu accounted for seven of the team's nine first quarter points on a pair of layups and a 3-poiner. McBride had the other two on a pair of free throws.
The 'Swords, who trailed 15-9 with 1:45 left in the first quarter, then went ice cold, as APU held them scoreless over the next 11 minutes spanning the first and second quarters. By the time McBride ended the drought with her bucket with 2:22 left in the half, Chaminade found itself down 47-11 on the Cougars' 32-0 run. The Silverswords trailed 50-13 at halftime.
The Silverswords made only five of their 29 first-half shots and had only one made 3-pointer in 15 attempts. Meanwhile Azusa Pacific was 21-of-40 from the floor. APU also outscored Chaminade 28-3 on points after turnovers after the Silverswords committed 17 giveaways.
The 'Swords managed to get back on track with 15 third quarter points.
Lilia Maio, the team's leading scorer, who was held without a point in the first half, scored six points in the frame.
Chaminade finished the game 15 for 61 from the field for 24.6 percent, their lowest shooting percentage of the season. They were also only 3-for-24 from 3-point range with Kaupu hitting two while Babbitt had the other. APU was 34-of71 from the floor and hit nine triples. The Cougars also out-rebounded the 'Swords 48-38 and forced 27 CUH turnovers.
Kristle Henry, Chaminade's third-leading scorer, did not have a point, breaking her 46-game scoring streak. Maio finished with a season-low eight points, half below her season average, while pulling down four rebounds.
The Silverswords return home to face Fresno Pacific Saturday at McCabe Gym. Live streaming audio coverage will be at GoSwords.com.
