ATHERTON, Calif. – Melissa Akullu (JR/Kampala, Uganda) and Lauren Baumgartner (SR/Meridian, ID) did the heavy lifting in the decisive fourth period, leading the Vanguard women's basketball team to a 53-45 road victory over Menlo on Saturday at Haynes-Prim Pavilion.
The duo combined to score 17 of the team's 20 points in the fourth as the Lions overcame a one-point deficit entering the final 10 minutes. Both players finished with 18 points – and Akullu corralled a game-high 14 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the season. Baumgartner added a season-high tying nine boards, five assists and four steals.
VU held a 49-38 edge on the glass, turning 19 offensive caroms into a 13-8 advantage in second chance points.
Menlo came in having averaged 84.6 points in three previous conference games. The Lions held the Oaks 39 points below their average. Menlo shot just 31.0 (18-of-58) percent from the field.
The Lions also impacted the game at the free throw line, hitting on 17-of-22 overall and taking 18 more attempts than the Oaks.
Defense, rebounding and free throw shooting masked VU's shooting struggles. The Lions managed just 27.1 (16-of-59) percent field goal efficiency, including 21.1 (4-of-19) percent from distance.
Menlo received a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds from Kiara Brown. Vivian Woo added 15 points and seven boards.
VU scratched out the win with only seven players. Four of VU's five starters played at least 33 minutes in helping the team improve to 6-1 overall and 2-1 in the Golden State Athletic Conference. Menlo fell to 5-5 overall and 2-2 in conference action.
What Happened?: VU forced Menlo into eight straight misses to start the game and broke out to a 5-0 lead on a Baumgartner three-pointer and Akullu layup.
Estefania Giner (SR/Chihuahua, Mexico) scored five straight points to extend VU's lead to 14-5, and the Lions ended the first period up 16-8 after Baumgartner sank two free throws.
Baumgartner opened the second quarter with a layup as the lead climbed to double-digits at 18-8. However, the only other Lion field goals came via a Faith Boss (FR/Torrance, CA) three and Akullu layup. The Lions shot just 18.8 (3-of-16) percent, but the Oaks only managed to make up two points in the period. VU led 25-19 at halftime.
Menlo had its best showing in the third quarter and snatched the lead away from the Blue and Gold. Brown scored the first 10 points for the Oaks – and her jumper tied the score at 29-29 with 2:49 to go. Menlo completed a 12-4 run thanks to Woo's layup, taking its first lead at 31-29. The Lions made just one basket the entire period, but connected on all six free throw attempts to keep Menlo from creating any separation.
Trailing 34-33 entering the final period, the Lions got back-to-back buckets by Baumgartner and Akullu to reclaim the lead at 37-36.
The VU defense forced four straight Oaks misses and a pair of turnovers, and Baumgartner's jumper gave the Lions a three-point lead. Consecutive baskets by Menlo's Jordyn Rosette cut VU's lead to 41-40, but the Lions did not allow the Oaks to get any closer.
VU scored 12 of the final 17 points as Airiana Madanski (JR/Gilbert, AZ) hit a huge three with 1:58 remaining to put the Lions up 48-42. Menlo had just one more field goal over the final 4:43 as VU pulled out the victory.
Why Is It Important?: VU's defense clamped down when the shots weren't falling. The Lions lead the GSAC in scoring defense, allowing opponents to average just 45.1 points per game.
What Was Said?: "Great win today. We found a way to win with defense and rebounding," said Head Coach Russ Davis. Very proud of our team for battling with people out, sickness and injuries. They average 84 points per game and we held them to 45. We have to get healthy this week and back to work."
What's Next?: The Lions hope to get healthy for a showdown with No. 2 Westmont next Saturday in Santa Barbara. Tip time is 5:30 p.m.
