COSTA MESA – A showdown between two of the top defensive teams in the country lived up to its billing.

Vanguard gutted out a low scoring 53-50 victory against rival and fifth-ranked Westmont in a Golden State Athletic Conference battle on Thursday at Orange Coast College.

The 12th-ranked Lions held the Warriors to 22.2 percent (6 of 27) shooting in the second half and scoreless over the last four minutes of the game. Westmont missed its final five shots and committed two costly turnovers down the stretch as the Lions pulled within one game of first place in the GSAC standings.

VU improved to 19-4 and 12-3 in the GSAC, while Westmont fell to 20-2 and 13-2 in conference play.

The backcourt tandem of Lauren Baumgartner (SR/Meridian, ID) and Halle Si'i (FR/Long Beach, CA) combined for 32 of VU's 53 points. Baumgartner tied for game high scoring honors with 17 points, hitting 3 of 6 from distance. Si'i contributed 15 points, five assists, three rebounds and a pair of steals. She made a key steal and hit 1 of 2 free throws with 20 seconds remaining, then helped force an off-balance desperation heave from Westmont's Stephanie Berberabe as time expired.

Jaryn Madsen (FR/Warden, WA) hit four crucial three-pointers for 12 points off the Lion bench. She has hit four threes in three of the last five games.

Leading scorer Melissa Akullu (JR/Kampala, Uganda) was held to a season-low three points, but yanked down a game-high 16 rebounds, the 15th time this season she has tallied double-digit boards.

Berberabe scored 17 points for Westmont, but shot just 6 of 18 from the floor. Kate Goostrey chipped in 14 points and Sage Kramer had 10 in a reserve role.

What Happened?: The Lions entered the fourth quarter with a 43-40 lead. They held the Warriors to 15.4 (2 of 13) percent shooting in the third period to outscore Westmont 15-9.

Kramer hit a jumper to bring the Warriors within 43-42, but Estefania Giner (SR/Chihuahua, Mexico) nailed a three on the other end to put the Lions up by four and celebrate her birthday. Kramer connected for a three with 5:59 remaining as Westmont narrowed its deficit to one.

The Warriors utilized an 8-0 run to go up 50-46 as Berberabe got inside for a layup, followed by another Kramer three. The Lions called timeout and forced a Kramer miss on the next possession, allowing Madsen to launch her fourth successful three of the night as VU inched within one.

The Lions dug in defensively, getting a key block from Akullu on Destiny Okonkwo's layup attempt and forcing Berberabe into a turnover. Si'i made a layup as VU took a 51-50 lead with just under a minute remaining.

VU forced another Warrior miss after a timeout, and Akullu grabbed the carom as she was fouled by Berberabe. With VU in the bonus, Akullu made 1 of 2 from the foul line for the 52-50 advantage.

Si'i stripped Berberabe during the next possession and drew a foul on Brown, knocking down 1 of 2 as VU extended its lead to 53-50.

The Lions played smothering defense to prevent a solid look on Berberabe's game-tying three-point attempt.

Both teams engaged in a tightly contested first half which resulted in a 31-28 Westmont lead at the break. There were five lead changes in the first quarter.

Westmont's biggest lead was six, 22-16, on a Berberabe three, but Vanguard tied the score at 22-22 on back-to-back threes from Baumgartner and Madsen.

Why Is It Important?: The Lions now trail Westmont by just one game for first place in the GSAC race. VU also snapped an eight-game losing streak against Westmont in the final regular season matchup as NAIA members.

What Was Said?: "Tonight was a defensive battle between two of the better defensive teams in the nation," said Head Coach Russ Davis. "We had to manage foul trouble in the first half and some costly miscues, but, our team never quit and gutted out a win. We held them scoreless the last four minutes plus of the game and that was huge. Lauren, for not playing or practicing the last two weeks was such a competitor. Melissa had an off scoring night but dominated the boards. Jaryn made some huge shots for us. Great team win. Proud of my team."

What's Next?: The Lions take on The Master's Saturday at Orange Coast College. It will be senior day for Baumgartner, Giner and Hannah Monty (SR/Rancho Santa Margarita, CA). Please arrive early for the 5:30 p.m. tip as the senior day ceremony will take place before the game.