COSTA MESA, Calif. - The 10th ranked Vanguard Lions (4-0, 1-0) survived an early run by Hope International (0-3, 0-3) to earn their first win in conference play. Baumgartner dropped a career-high 33 points and 10 assists to go with three steals while Gabriela Rosas (JR/Chihuahua, Mexico) would finish with 21 points and six rebounds to carry the Pride to victory, 83-62.
What Happened? Hope International's frenetic defensive style forced seven Vanguard turnovers early and poor shooting compounded into an early lead for the Royals. Estefania Giner (SO/Chihuahua, Mexico) returned to action for the Lions and recorded seven points and three rebounds in the first quarter of play. Down 17-31, the Lions would go on an 11-2 run capped off by a couple of Lauren Baumgartner (SO/Meridian, ID) threes to cut the deficit to five. The Pride was able to string together a couple of stops and a big three by Tanna Decker (FR/Camp Verde, AZ) and a couple of free-throws by Baumgartner would make it a 33-35 game going into the half.
Both teams would trade baskets until Michaella Elad (SR/Ontario, CA)'s strong finish through contact and the free-throw would give the Lions their first lead since the 9:44 mark in the first quarter. Having fully gained the momentum, the Lions went on a 17-2 run to push their lead to 15 to end the third quarter. The Pride could not miss entering the fourth as they hit five of their first six shots to push their lead even further. Baumgartner would score 13 of her 33 total points in the fourth quarter as the Lions would earn an 83-62 win.
Why It's Important? The Lions survived an early haymaker by the Royals and went on to show why they were ranked top ten in the country despite having two of their key players out. The Lions would move to 58-3 all-time against the Royals.
Top Performers: Baumgartner had a fantastic showing as she played 35 minutes, constantly being double-teamed as she initiated the offense for the Lions. She finished with a career-high 33 points on 11-14 shooting from the field while hitting 5-7 from deep to go with 10 assists, three rebounds, and three steals. Gabriela Rosas would finish with 21 points, six rebounds, and four steals, shooting 47% from the field and 50% from deep
What They Said: Head Coach Russ Davis - "I am really proud of our team and how they handled adversity, with several players out injured and getting down by double digits, we never quit. Lauren had a great efficient gam scoring 33 points on 14 shots and 10 assist to one turnover was outstanding considering they attacked her all night. Hope is very talented and we had to play really good to beat them tonight. Gabby had a huge second half and Tanna and Fanny did well in their first games of the year." Baumgartner - "I think that we just had great energy and we played together, attacking them and taking what they gave us," said Baumgartner. "As a whole, we played hard and together."
What's Next: The Lions head to Fullerton to take on Hope International once again, this time at their place. The game takes place on Thursday, February 11th at 4:30 p.m.
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