AZUSA -- Cal State L.A.'s women's basketball team put itself in position to win its season opener against Azusa Pacific, but a late run by the Cougars spoiled that plan.

After the Golden Eagles took a 51-50 lead, Azusa Pacific went on a 9-0 run over the next four minutes and went on to a 63-58 win in the Felix Event Center. Cal State L.A. led by as many as 17 points early in the second half, but was unable to hold onto the lead.

Kiah Knox had a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double for the Golden Eagles, while Geena Greene also had a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Kaija Powell had 13 points and Franeka Hall had nine points and three rebounds.

Kelly Hardiman had a game-high 28 points and 10 rebounds for Azusa Pacific (3-0).

Cal State L.A. shot just 34.4 percent (22-of-64), while Azusa Pacific shot 39.3 percent (22-of-56). The Golden Eagles were just 3-of-18 from behind the 3-point arc, while the Cougars were 4-of-10. Cal State L.A. was an efficient 11-of-13 (84.6 percent) from the free-throw line, while Azusa Pacific was 15-of-21 (71.4 percent).

Azusa Pacific held a slim 42-41 rebounding edge, while the Golden Eagles had 17 turnovers and 10 steals to 19 turnovers and eight steals for the Cougars.

Cal State L.A. started well and opened up a 15-4 lead after a 3-pointer by Ali Orlich seven minutes into the game. The Golden Eagles opened up a 26-11 lead after a layup by Knox and led 30-13 after a steal and layup by Hall.

The Golden Eagles settled for a 38-25 halftime lead after a late layup by Powell.

The Golden Eagles again built a 17-point lead early in the second half after an offensive rebound and basket by Knox made it 42-25 with 18:55 to go. The Cougars, though, went on an 11-0 run to get themselves back into the game and eventually took their first lead, 48-46, on a layup by Hardeman with eight minutes to play.

The Cougars led 50-48 before a 3-pointer by Powell gave the Golden Eagles their last lead, 51-50, with 6:27 to go.

Azusa Pacific then went on its 9-0 run and led the rest of the way. The Golden Eagles managed to slice the 59-51 deficit to 59-56 after a three-point play by Greene and a layup by Powell with 34 seconds to go, but that was as close as the Golden Eagles would get.

Cal State L.A. will return to action on Friday with its home opener against Concordia.