Box Score RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The Crusaders started strong but couldn't close out the Cougars, falling 71-55 to Azusa Pacific on Saturday in the Ayres Inn & Suites CBU Classic hosted by California Baptist.

Northwest Nazarene led by six points early and held a 20-17 edge after a Grayson Moore layup with 8 minutes, 45 seconds left until halftime when APU used a 17-4 run to take control.

"We got on a roll early, but having Kevin (Rima) and Grayson get into foul trouble really hurt us and stopped our momentum," NNU coach Dave Daniels said.

Leading 34-27 at the break, Azusa Pacific (3-2 overall) pushed its advantage to 57-41 on a Bertram Hall bucket with 9:39 left in the game, but the Crusaders (1-5) hung tough.

Derek Isaaz and Michael Loomis each hit a 3-pointer, and Rima capped an 11-4 push with a layup, trimming the margin to 61-52 with 7:36 remaining, but NNU couldn't complete the comeback.

"We made some nice runs in the second half but just ran out of steam," Daniels said.

Mario Donaldson led the way with 13 points and six rebounds while Loomis tossed in 12 points and Rima added seven points and eight rebounds for the Crusaders, who next open Great Northwest Athletic Conference play at No. 9 Seattle Pacific on Thursday and Montana State Billings on Saturday.

"We're looking forward to getting healthy and starting conference," Daniels said.

Robert Sandoval led the Cougars with 19 points and 13 rebounds.