SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Vanguard (6-1,2-0) journeyed three hours north of campus to partake in the first of a twin bill against the Warriors (3-4,0-2). The Lions rallied from down double digits at halftime to escape with a 64-62 victory – which assures them a season series victory with Westmont and moves their winning streak to four games.
What Happened? The contest had a different feel than the one in Costa Mesa just three days prior. During the opening minutes, the teams calmly exchanged baskets and with 11:05 remaining before halftime the score read 16-15. Over the next 6:11 Vanguard would be outscored 15-3 as the Warriors blew open the game. They would capture a lead of 14 points in the final 97 second of the first period of play. Exiting the halftime locker room trailing 35-24, the Pride initially trimmed the deficit down to nine points off a free throw by Aziz Seck (SR/Dakar, Senegal). Every time the Blue and Gold would make a stop and convert on the offensive end, it seemed like Westmont would match them. Masie Mohammadi (JR/San Carlos, CA) sank a three-pointer with 2:51 remaining to cut it to a 59-56 game, but on the next possession it jumped back up to five points. Over the course of the final 2:14 of play, Vanguard went on a 6-1 run to steal victory. Vanguard forced 13 turnovers which led directly to 11 points. The team snagged nine offensive rebounds and scored 22 points in the paint. They shot 39% from the field, only made four triples, and missed five free throws but still found a way to win.
Why It's Important? The Lions embarked on what is usually the hardest road trip of the season, except this time they have to play the ever-tough Warriors at home. Twice. Vanguard had not defeated Westmont on the road since the 2014 season, when they would go on to claim the NAIA National Championship crown.
Top Performers: Seck recorded a team high 13 points to go along with seven rebounds and a block. Phillip Willis (SO/San Diego, CA) was just behind with 12 points. Reserves James Moore (SR/Talco, TX) and Nico Dasca (SO/Costa Mesa, CA) each scored nine points as the bench combined for 25 points in the game. Isaac Davis (JR/Valencia, CA) record half of the teams turnover and was tied for the second most rebounds by a Lion (6). Garret White scored nine on 4-8 shooting.
What They Said: Head Coach Rhett Soliday - "I am really proud of this team. They are steady and staying even in the storm and today was a great example of how together they are. We did not play the level of game offensively that we feel we are capable of. Credit Westmont at both ends. They were in control of the game and making a ton of winning plays as a group. We hung around just enough that once a few shots started falling, we were able to capture some momentum. We don't have any time to celebrate this though. Westmont is a championship team and they will respond that way no doubt. We have to be ready to go again on Saturday."
What's Next: The Lions wrap up the three-game series on Saturday, February 13th at 7:00 p.m.
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