CHANDLER, Ariz. – All-American Melissa Akullu demonstrated her dominance as one of the nation's top women's basketball players, pouring in game-highs of 34 points and 11 rebounds in Vanguard's 72-61 triumph over MidAmerica Nazarene on Friday.
The Lions finished 2-1 at the prestigious Cactus Classic and left the state of Arizona with an overall record of 6-2.
Akullu shot 13 of 22 from the field and went 8 of 9 at the foul line. She was consistent throughout with eight points in the first and second quarters, six in the third, and 12 in the decisive fourth.
The Lions shot 42.1 (24 of 57) percent from the field and 81.0 (17 of 21) percent at the free throw line. The Pioneers shot at a 37.5 (21 of 56) percent clip, but made just 6 of 28 (21.4%) from distance. MidAmerica Nazarene also was hampered by 23 turnovers, which the Lions converted into 20 points.
Akullu was the only Lion to score in double figures. Freshman Natalie Scherzer produced eight points in just 11 minutes off the bench, while Halle Si'i and Sarah Matossian had seven points apiece. Matossian also nabbed seven boards to go along with a game-high tying three assists.
Airiana Madanski, Jaryn Madsen and Scherzer all connected for a pair of three-pointers.
Jordynn Gonzalez led the Pioneers (3-9) with 17 points and Bi'Anna Pettis chipped in 15.
What Happened?: The Lions clung to a 48-45 lead through three quarters, but scored 11 of the first 15 points to create a 10-point cushion at the midway point of the fourth period.
Madsen hit a key three during the run, and Akullu barged inside for a pair of layups as the Lions finally found some breathing room.
But the Pioneers fought back with a 9-2 run to cut their deficit to 59-56, as Gonzalez helped the cause with two free throws and a triple.
A key sequence then unfolded as Si'i had her layup attempt blocked by Arielle Sargent. Sargent corralled the rebound, but immediately had the ball snatched back by Si'i. The sophomore point guard attacked the rim and missed a layup, but Akullu cleaned up the glass and made the outback.
After Allison French missed a three for the Pioneers, Akullu got inside again for another layup as the Blue and Gold led 63-56.
That seemed to deflate the Pioneers, which scored just five more points over the the final four-plus minutes.
Madanski sank a clutch three with 2:19 remaining, while Si'i, Alexa Silva and Akullu went 6-for-6 at the charity stripe over the final two minutes.
The Pioneers were on VU's heels throughout the first three quarters. VU held a 14-10 lead after one period with Akullu, Matossian and Madanski accounting for all of the scoring.
The Lions opened up a 26-21 lead on a Scherzer three in the second period, and fellow freshman Ashlin Crabtree made it a 30-24 game on a layup with 49 ticks before halftime. The Pioneers got a three from French before time expired as VU took a three-point lead into the locker room.
Sargent's layup brought the Pioneers within 30-29 to begin the third, but an 8-0 Lion run created some separation. Akullu scored six straight points and Si'i hit two free throws as VU led 38-29 with 8:13 remaining.
However, VU managed just two points over nearly a five-minute stretch as MidAmerica Nazarene trimmed its deficit to 40-39. Madsen drained a three to put VU up by four.
But the Pioneers responded and eventually tied the score at 45-45 on two French free throws with 1:18 to go in the period. Scherzer sank her second three to provide the Blue and Gold a 48-45 edge going into the final 10 minutes.
Why Is It Important?: Vanguard has scored 20 or more points in the fourth quarter in five of its victories.
What Was Said?: "This tournament was a great test to see what we are capable of as a team and also to see what we still need to work on," said Assistant Coach Sierra Vaglica. "Melissa stepped up big time today for us and I'm proud of the way she finished this tournament off."
What's Next?: The Lions turn their attention toward Golden State Athletic Conference play, traveling to Hope International for the conference opener on Thursday, January 4 at 5:30 p.m.
