Azusa Pacific Rolls to Lopsided Win

Steve McIlwain made six of nine three-point shots and scored 22 points as Azusa Pacific took a 27-point first-half lead and cruised to a 97-50 victory over Auburn Montgomery (Ala.) on Friday in the second round of the NAIA men’s basketball national championships at Kansas City, Mo.

McIlwain, a senior point guard, also had eight assists for the Cougars (27-7). Sophomore forward Brett Michel and junior guard Caleb Gervin each added 15 points and junior forward Ladrick Simon had 13 points and 11 rebounds as Azusa advanced to a quarterfinal game today against Oklahoma City (26-6), which beat top-seeded Georgetown (Ky.), 74-59.

Azusa made 16 of 29 three-pointers, falling one short of the tournament record set by Lipscomb in 1990. The Cougars led, 45-21, at halftime.

“We did the things we wanted to do today,” Azusa Coach Bill Odell said. “I felt all along it has been a strength of ours “

Auburn Montgomery (22-10) was led by forward Torey Harris with 16 points. The Senators made only 14 of 53 field-goal attempts.

In another game, Biola was upset by Science & Arts, Okla., 92-69. The Eagles finished 29-4.