COSTA MESA – Leonard Turner and Chris Chiles poured in 20 points apiece, and the Vanguard men's basketball team drained 13 three-pointers in an 84-60 victory over San Francisco State on Saturday afternoon in the Freed Center.
The duo shot a combined 16-of-22 from the field, with Turner sinking four triples. The Lions spread out production from the perimeter, as seven players knocked down at least one three.
Anthony Tello was the third Lion to finish in double figures with 10 points. Jackson Larsen added eight points, a game-high nine rebounds and three assists.
The Lions were active defensively as they forced the Gators into 18 turnovers. VU held a 22-7 advantage in points off turnovers and did a solid job protecting the ball, committing just nine miscues.
VU also shared the ball well with 18 assists on 32 baskets. Nine Lions recorded at least one assist.
Aibigho Ujadughele wreaked havoc defensively with a game-high four steals to go along with seven rebounds and a blocked shot.
Fedrick Pernell had a team-high 15 points off the bench for the Gators, while Caden Flowers chipped in 10.
Vanguard moved to 2-0 on the season, while the Gators dropped to 2-2.
What Happened?: Chiles had an incredible start to the game as he scored 12 of Vanguard's first 20 points. He subbed out with VU leading 20-15 at the 11:33 mark.
Back-to-back three-pointers from Pernell and Alex Gilat tied the score at 23-23, but Tello's trey put the Lions back in front. VU went on a 7-0 run to take a 30-23 lead, but Pernell drilled another triple to keep the Gators within four.
VU extended the lead back to 10 on Devin Carson's triple with 2:32 to go, and settled for a 38-30 halftime advantage.
The second half began with Chiles assisting on VU's first two buckets and getting a pair of steals.
The Lions blitzed the Gators with a 14-2 run and led 50-32 just under two minutes into the half. Turner drilled a pair of three-pointers to go along with two Larsen layups, forcing SF State to call timeout.
Turner hit a third triple to widen VU's advantage to 55-36. The Lions were aggressive off Gator misses, running the fast break and converting three straight paint opportunities from Turner, Ujadughele and Chiles.
The Blue and Gold created a 25-point chasm – their largest lead of the game with under 11 minutes to go – and the closest SF State got from there was 14.
VU punctuated the blowout win with a perfectly placed pass from Bryson Metz to Chiles for the throw down slam with 2:30 remaining.
It is the second 2-0 start for VU in the last three seasons.
What's Next?: The Lions travel to Cal State LA on Saturday, November 23 for a 4:00 p.m. tip. The Golden Eagles are receiving votes in the NABC Coaches and D2CSC polls.
