COSTA MESA, Calif. - The Vanguard Men's Basketball Team made their second appearance in The Pit this season against the University of Saint Katherine's. Even though there was no crowd, the Lions created their own intensity and secured a 53-52 win at home masked up.
What Happened? The first half had a slow start with neither team putting in a basket for the first two minutes of the game. Soon after, the Firebirds took an early lead of 3-2 that didn't last long as Vanguard slowly stacked their points earn a healthy six point deficit nine minutes into the game. Trailing 13-7, Saint Katherine's coaches called a timeout spurring on the Lion's energy. The Blue and Gold's bench brought an added intensity to the game with returner Nico Dasca (SO/Costa Mesa, CA) securing five points and two rebounds during his nine minutes of play. Starter Garrett White (JR/Post Falls, ID) earned six points during the first half, while boasting a perfect free-throw percentage. Though the Firebirds chipped away at their advantage, the Pride entered the second-half ahead 26-23.
Entering the second set of 20 minutes, Saint Katherine managed to tighten their deficit and keep the score close through the majority of the half. Vanguard struggled to get past the Firebird's defense, but weathered to the storm and managed to lengthen their lead 51-42 in the last seven minutes. USK closed in again on Vanguard in the last minutes, putting them behind only by five points. In the last seconds of the game, the Firebirds had the opportunity to tie the game but couldn't put away a desperate three-point attempt. The Pride earned their second dub of the season 53-52.
Why It's Important? The Blue and Gold worked hard down to the last minute, following head coach Rhett Soliday's tactics to a tee, to ensure a solid win at home. This marks only the second time the Lions have competed this season; there were 58 days in between contests. These two squads are going to go on to play three more times over the next seven days.
Notable Performances: White led Vanguard in points at 13 to along with nine rebounds, justin missing out on a double-double. Returner Phillip Willis (SO/San Diego, CA) followed behind with eight points of his own and a block, as well as a steal. White was the only player in double figures for the Pride, but 10 of the 11 players who logged playing time scored in the outting. Aziz Seck (SR/Dakar, Senegal) snagged eight total rebounds, seven on the defensive side of the floor.
What They Said: "Being back in the Pit was super exciting. It was nice to finally play a game again," remarks White. "Biggest highlights I think are just being able to play with my family, my brotherhood. Just hearing the bench go crazy whenever we're getting stomped or anything. Yeah just kinda competing on offense. Biggest highlight would be just playing basketball honestly."
What's Next: Tomorrow, Sunday, January 31st at University of Saint Katherine at 12:00 p.m.
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