Azusa Pacific Deals Toros First Loss of Season, 88-72
Antoine Griffin leads all scorers with 26 points in non-conference loss
November 22, 2003

Complete Box Score

FULLERTON, Calif.-Azusa Pacific, ranked No. 4 in the NAIA preseason polls, dealt the Cal State Dominguez Hills men's basketball team its first loss of the season, 88-72, at the Hope International University Classic Saturday night.

With the loss, the Toros are now 1-1 while the win elevates Azusa Pacific to 4-3.

CSUDH came out strong and took a 12-8 lead after a layup by Eric Crookshank (Vallejo, CA) with 14:44 left in the first half. But APU went on a 16-0 run, highlighted by four three-point baskets to take control, 24-12 with 11:12 left in the period.

Azusa Pacific would build its lead to as many as 15 points before going into the break with a nine-point cushion, 43-34.

The Cougars would come out of intermission on fire reeling off the first 12 points of the second half to take a 55-34 lead at 16:13. Cal State Dominguez Hills would not get any closer than 13 points having to settle for the 88-72 final score.

Antoine Griffin (Long Beach, CA) led all scorers with 26 points on 9-21 from the field and also dished out a game-high six assists. Crookshank finished with 12 points on 5-7 shooting from the floor while Ryan Meilleur (Lakewood/Artesia HS) came off the bench to contribute 12 points of his own. On the night, CSUDH shot 42% (27-65) including 16-17 from the charity stripe.

Dennis Coutee led four Azusa Pacific players in double figures with 20 points. The Cougars shot a blazing 54% from the floor (28-52) including 48% from beyond the 3-point arc (11-23).

CSUDH is back in action on Friday, November 28 hosting Cal Baptist University in its home opener in the Torodome. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.