ROCKLIN, Calif. — Vanguard women's basketball stays on top of the Golden State Athletic Conference as the Lions handled Jessup on Saturday afternoon.  VU had a slow second quarter to allow the Warriors to hold a lead at halftime, but Melissa Akullu threw down 28 points and snared a season-high 26 rebounds to help the Lions close out a 76-62 victory.  Vanguard improves to 16-4 overall and 9-2 in GSAC play, while Jessup falls to 20-5 overall and 7-4 in GSAC action.

What Happened? The Lions got a steal by Halle Si'i on the first Jessup possession of the game and the transition offense worked perfectly, as Melissa Akullu converted the layup to start the scoring for the day.  The Warriors tied things on the next trip down the court and the game would be knotted up three more times over the next three minutes.  A layup for Airiana Madanski with 5:41 to go was followed by another for Akullu to give VU a 10-6 lead 40 seconds later.  The Blue and Gold put on an offensive hot streak over the next three minutes, as VU outscored the Warriors 9-2, with an Ashlin Crabtree three capping the run.  The two teams exchanged points over the final two minutes of the period, as VU took a 21-14 lead into the second frame.

But Jessup controlled the second 10 minutes of the game, as they doubled up the Lions 18-6 .  A three by Sarah Matossian put the VU lead at nine, 24-16, but JU went on an 8-2 run to bring the advantage down to 26-24.  Another triple for Matossian with 5:54 to go made it 29-24, but the Warriors got the final six points of the half to take a 30-29 lead into halftime.

Vanguard shot 41.4% in the first half and Jessup hit at a 40.7% rate.  The Lions went 3-for-13 from downtown and JU was 4-for-12.  Both teams had four attempts from the free-throw line, with Jessup making all four and VU netting two of its four.

Inspired to start the third, the Lions got on the board first with a Matossian layup off an offensive board.  She then made a layup a minute later to put Vanguard ahead 33-32, and the team launched well beyond JU reach from there.  A 10-0 streak propelled the Blue and Gold to a 44-32 lead, with Akullu getting six points and Alexa Silva splashing down a three.  Jessup brought the gap down to 46-36 after the 5:00 mark, but Akullu helped start a 12-3 run for Vanguard in reply.  She had four points during that stretch and both Si'i, Crabtree, and Madanski all chipped in points as the advantage grew to 54-39.  Jessup scored the final bucket of the period, but it was only consolation, as the Lions won the third 31-14 to hold a 60-44 lead entering the final quarter.  VU had a 27-11 advantage in field goal attempts in the frame thanks to an 11-2 lead in offensive rebounds.

The Lions had a response for almost every Jessup basket, as Jessup just outscored VU 18-16 in the final frame.  However,  the Warriors could not mount a real challege against the Lions, who won 76-62.

Vanguard shot 38.6% from the floor in the contest and 22.7% from deep.  VU was 17-of-25 from the charity stripe for a 68% conversion rate.  JU shot 39.2% from the floor and 33.3% from downtown.  The Lions the upper hand in rebounds 47-31,including a 23-9 edge in offensive boards.  

Akullu shined on 12-of-18 shooting and made four of her seven free throws.  Si'i was second on the team in scoring with 15 points and Matossian was right behind with 14.  Si'i came up one assists shy of a double-double with nine helpers.

What was Said?  "What a great team win," said Akullu.  "We came into the locker room at halftime and coach challenged us to grab it if we want it, and we did just that!  I'm so proud of how we came out here and took care of business.  We played together and did the little things.  A great team win and its only up from here.  Great job to Coach Si  and Coach JB as well.  Go Lions!"

Why is it Important?  Menlo also won today, so the two will continue the dogfight at the top of the standings for another week.  VU has now won three in a row against JU and is now 19-3 all-time against the Warriors. 

What's Next?  The Lions will face Life Pacific on Senior Day next Saturday at OCC at 5:30 p.m.