LANCASTER, Calif. – Phillip Willis (JR/San Diego, CA) scored a season-high 17 points, but Vanguard could not overcome Antelope Valley's hot shooting as the Pioneers pulled away late in an 89-75 men's basketball defeat on Saturday.
The Lions led 43-42 at halftime, but were outscored 47-32 in the second half as the Pioneers shot 57.4 percent (31-of-54) for the game. UAV also frequented the free throw line and took full advantage, converting on 23-of-28 attempts, 82.1 percent.
Vanguard's starting unit accounted for 61 of the team's 75 points as Isaac Davis (SR/Valencia, CA), Masie Mohammadi (SR/San Carlos, CA) and Garrett White (SR/Post Falls, ID) joined Willis in double figures with 12 points each. James Moore (SR/Talco, TX) had eight points and a game-high tying seven rebounds.
Willis made all six of his field goal attempts, including four from distance.
VU shot a solid 48.4 percent in the first half but saw its shooting percentage dip to 31.3 percent in the second as its three-game winning streak came to a halt. The Lions hit 11 threes led by four apiece from Mohammadi and Willis.
What Happened?: UAV went on a 16-2 run spanning the end of the first half and beginning of the second to take a 50-45 lead with 17:43 remaining in the game. White tied the game at 52-52 with a pair of free throws at the 15:58 mark, then the Lions went cold for a four-minute stretch as the Pioneers scored seven straight points. Lavontay Ott's layup gave UAV a 59-52 advantage with 12:13 to go.
Mohammadi responded with a three to cut the deficit to 59-55. The Lions still trailed by four, 71-67, thanks to a Kody Knox (JR/Porter Ranch, CA) layup with 4:11 remaining.
But the Pioneers made 10 consecutive free throws, including eight in a row over the final 1:12 to seal the victory. White and Davis hit late threes in a comeback attempt, but it wasn't enough.
Vanguard led by as many as nine points in the first half as a three from Willis put the Lions in charge, 41-32, with 2:07 left. However, UAV closed the frame on a 10-2 spurt to narrow the halftime deficit to one point and set the tone for the final 20 minutes.
Why Is It Important?: The Lions had held three straight opponents to under 40 percent shooting before the Pioneers found their rhythm. VU is 1-4 this season when allowing 80 points or more, and 5-0 when holding opponents under 80.
What Was Said?: "Credit Antelope Valley for a great second half," said Head Coach Rhett Soliday. "We did not grab ahold of the opportunity to take a stand against a good team at the defensive end. UAV got whatever they wanted down the stretch. We know it's going to take a much better effort in the GSAC with Westmont coming in next week to The Pit. I believe our guys will be ready to respond."
What's Next?: Vanguard returns to Golden State Athletic Conference play with a rivalry game next Thursday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. against Westmont. Lion students and fans are encouraged to pack The Pit for the "Roar" game. The women's game, featuring the 15th-ranked Lions and second-ranked Warriors, will precede the men at 5:30 p.m.
