The AIS started slow after a long travel day back from Texas on Friday. The AIS was able to hold strong defensively in the early stages despite a string of early turnovers. Once the AIS settled they were able to establish an early 6-8 point buffer. The AIS plugged away in the quarter court and made some excellent decisions in the running game to establish a comfortable, 36-23, lead at the half.

Azusa adjusted to 3-2 zone out of the half. The AIS demonstrated significant progress and composure to execute against the zone. The focus to go inside was significantly improved and the AIS were able to slice the zone apart with ball movement and an inside/outside presence. At the other end of the floor, the AIS made the strategic adjustment to switch all ball-screens. The post players did a great job moving their feet and challenging perimeter shots. The change really bothered Azusa and they took some ill advised shots, forced penetration and repeatedly turned the ball over trying to attack the miss match.  The AIS wing players made the adjustment to stay at home on Azusa’s shooters on the wings and corners neutralizing Azusa’s 3 point shooting threat. The help-side defence showed progress with both the post players and weak-side perimeter players rotating aggressively on dribble penetration. The AIS was able to capitalize on this defensive pressure and went on a 10-0 run determining the result of the game early in the half.

The AIS had a strong performance defensively. Azusa shot 24% from the field and had 5 or 6 30 second shot clock violations. Additionally, the AIS held 2 of Azusa’s top 3 scorers well below their average. Ally Wilson and Keely Froling, in a tag team effort, held D1 transfer and senior, Amanda Sims, to 12 points and 6 rebounds. Sims had to work extremely hard to produce these numbers and took some poor shot attempts, resulting in 4-11 from the field, to earn her 12 points. Sims also ended the game with 5 individual turnovers due to the defensive presence of Ally and Keely.

The AIS had several standout performances of the night with all athletes contributing to the outcome. Alanna Smith had a strong performance with 18 points and 9 rebounds. Alex Wilson added 13 points and 6 rebounds. Louise Brown, Tessa Lavey, Stephanie Collins and Alicia Froling all made solid statistical contributions. Ally Wilson and Keely Froling had outstanding defensive performances on Azusa standout, Amanda Sims.

In summary, the AIS got off to a slow start at the offensive end, however, had a consistent and dominant defensive performance holding Azusa to only 44 points. Once the AIS settled offensively they went on to have a significantly improved offensive performance. The AIS dominated the boards 48-34 including 15 offensive boards, won the possession game 37-23, and shot 52%FG. Most encouragingly, the AIS had, a tour high, 20 assists on 30 made field goals, demonstrating an improved understanding of the offensive system and appropriate shot selection.

Today the AIS will travel to Orange Country and the City of Irvine, California, to compete against Concordia University for game #2 of this final 4-game California swing.

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