LA JOLLA (Nov. 28, 2014) -- It took a veteran guard to secure the Coyotes' best start in four seasons.

All-CCAA junior Alexcia Mack hit the second of a two-shot free throw with four seconds left and Cal State San Bernardino slipped by Azusa Pacific 61-60 in tournament play at the UC San Diego Thanksgiving Classic on Friday.

CSUSB improved to 3-0 overall and is off to its best start since 2010-11 when the Coyotes raced to a 6-0 start en route to its last NCAA Tournament appearance.

Balanced scoring led by Brianna Harden and Chelsea Austin with 13 points apiece and a propensity of scoring off turnoers were the keys for coach Renee Jimenenz's team. Harden added her second double-double of the year with 11 rebounds, while Mack added 12 points and senior Briana Baker 10.

CSUSB forced the Cougars (4-2) into 21 turnovers and converted that total into 24 points.

Nine ties, seven lead changes and leads no more than six points for either team spelled a tight 40 minutes between the two teams.

Harden and Mack each hit vital 3-pointers late in the contest that stopped potential Cougars' runs.

After Kelly Hardeman hit two free throws that put APU up 57-54 with 4 minutes left, Harden came down and drilled a three to tie the game.

Then, Mack responded with a three of her own that lifted CSUSB out front 60-59 with 2:34 remaining.

Hardeman tied the game with a free throw with 2:13 left and that score remain embedded on the RIMAC Arena scoreboard until Mack stepped up.

CSUSB had control of the ball with 23 seconds left and seemingly could play for the last shot.

APU's Cydnie Jones, who earlier missed two free throws that could have put her team ahead, fouled Mack. She stepped to the line, missing the first but converting the second and the Coyotes had their lead 61-60.

APU's Katie Powell missed a 3-pointer with a second remaining but the shot was off.

CSUSB shot 37.5 percent from the floor on 12 of 32 shooting in each half.

Junior Adriana Brodie had eight points with six rebounds, dealt two assists and had a game-high four steals.

Baker led the Coyotes with five assists.

Hardeman finished the game with 26 points and 11 rebounds.

The Coyotes complete the weekend with a game against Academy of Art. Tipoff is 1 p.m. Saturday.