HONOLULU, Hawaii --- Vanguard's six-game winning streak ended in a narrow 57-54 loss to Hawaii Pacific University on Thursday evening. VU's first trip to the Shark Tank saw them lead for 30 of the 40 minutes played, but it was the final quarter that sunk the ship. The Blue and Gold shot just 16.7% (2-12) from the field in the fourth quarter and were outscored 14-7. Both teams also produced costly turnovers, with HPU giving up a season-worst 21 and VU having 19, 13 of which came in the second half.

Vanguard's first loss in the Pacific West Conference dropped them to 6-5 overall and 4-1 in the league. Hawaii Pacific won their third in a row and improved to 6-3, 1-0.
Two Lions breached double figures with junior Jaryn Madsen exploding for a career-high 24 points on a lethal 6-of-9 effort from deep. She also added four rebounds and two steals. Sarah Matossian made it four straight double-doubles by collecting 15 points and 11 rebounds. Ashlin Crabtree connected for six points and Aryanna Hudson totaled five points and two assists.

Vanguard hit 35% (19-54) of their shots and went 10-for-24 (42%) from beyond the arc. The Sharks matched the three-point performance, going 46% (12-26) on their three-point tries. The Lions led in second-chance points (13-2) and rebounds (35-26), however, Hawaii Pacific's second unit delivered, winning the bench points battle 32-5 over VU.

What Happened? Vanguard were pace-setters in the first quarter, shooting 53% (8-15) and keeping the Sharks on their heels. Madsen's career night started with a three-pointer from the right side to make it 11-5 VU. Crabtree joined the shooting party, lacing a three to hand the Lions their largest lead of the night at 23-11. The Sharks hit their last three treys, including a half-court heave to string together a 9-2 run and end the quarter down five 25-20.

Both teams combined for just four points in the opening six minutes of the second quarter as defensive efforts halted the scoring rhythm. Emma Schaaf single-handedly stumped an HPU fast break with a firm block to fork away the danger and keep VU in front with 7:13 left in the quarter. PacWest player of the week Halle Si'i swept a pass into Matossian who finished the layup for her seventh point of the quarter. Madsen buried a crisp sidestep triple to give VU a six-point lead at the break (35-29).

Matossian started the third with the first four Vanguard points and Madsen knocked down two more triples to put VU up 45-37 with 2:53 left in the period.  Unfortunately, three straight turnovers for the Blue and Gold kept HPU well in the game. The Sharks cut the cap to two before Matossian put in the final bucket of the third off the glass to give VU a 47-43 edge. 

HPU went for 4-for-7 from deep in the fourth quarter and took the lead 52-51 on a transition three-pointer with 3:57 left. Despite a timely three from Hudson to answer back in just 38 seconds, the VU turnovers dismounted the final charge as the Lions did not score again in the contest.

What's Next? Women's basketball will shift their focus to Chaminade and take on the Silverswords on Saturday, January 4, at 4 pm.