GREAT FALLS, Mont. – Melissa Akullu and Halle Si'i combined for 48 points as the ninth-ranked Vanguard women's basketball team earned an 85-61 victory over Montana State-Northern on Saturday evening at the McLaughlin Center.
The Lions return to Orange County 2-1 while the Lights fall to 2-2.
Akullu finished with 29 points on 12 of 13 shooting, and she added 10 rebounds for her third consecutive double-double. The 6-1 center also had a season-high six of the team's 16 steals which the Lions helped convert into 29 points off 21 Lights turnovers.
Si'i dropped 19 points on 7 of 16 shooting and grabbed nine rebounds to go along with six assists and two steals. Sarah Matossian also was productive with eight points and nine rebounds.
Seven different Lions hit at least one three-pointers as the team knocked down 10 for the game. Matossian, Ashlin Crabtree and Faith Boss each made two triples.
The Lions held a sizable edge in rebounds (37-22), including a 16-2 advantage on the offensive glass. VU outscored MSUN 19-5 in second chance points as a result.
What Happened?: The Lions outscored the Lights 23-9 in the third quarter to put the game out of reach. Aggressive play from Akullu and Si'i resulted in the All-American duo scoring 15 of the team's points in that period.
The Lions utilized a 14-3 run to lead 56-37 at the 6:26 mark as Si'i converted a traditional three-point play. Matossian and Boss each nailed a three-pointer along the way, and a Si'i layup widened the VU lead to 63-39 with 2:13 to go.
The Blue and Gold upped their lead to as many as 31 points in the fourth quarter as Akullu got inside for three layups, followed by a Matossian three and a Si'i layup. The Lions coasted to victory with Natalie Scherzer and Brittney Tran getting into the scoring column with late buckets.
Both teams played a tight first quarters as the Lions emerged with a 23-21 lead. Akullu scored nine of VU's first 11 points to set the tone. Airiana Madanski also had five early points to help get VU's offense going.
The Lights took a 21-19 lead on a Rachel Van Blaricom three-pointer, but the Lions rallied with consecutive baskets by Si'i and Akullu to end the first period in front. VU shot 55.6 (10 of 18) percent, while MSUN countered at 72.7 (8 of 11) percent.
MSUN cooled off considerably in the second quarter, hitting just 4 of 14 shots for 28.6 percent. The Lions held the Lights without a point over the final 5:15 to turn build a 42-33 cushion at halftime.
Why Is It Important?: The Lions played a more complete and consistent game scoring 23, 19, 23 and 20 points by quarter. Akullu is shooting 71.4 (35 of 49) percent through three games.
What Was Said?: "We came out with a sense of urgency tonight and played with passion, aggression, toughness and together," said Head Coach Russ Davis. "Proud how we responded tonight after our loss in the fourth quarter yesterday when the wheels fell off. Mel and Halle were tough and aggressive. Everyone contributed and accepted my challenge. I'm happy for them. Big week this weekend coming up at The Master's tournament with two really good teams."
What's Next?: The Blue and Gold plays in the Jersey Mike's Thanksgiving Classic against Wayland Baptist and Bryan College (Tenn.) in Santa Clarita. The Lions face Wayland Baptist on Friday, November 24 at 1:00 p.m.
