BILLINGS, Mont. – The Vanguard Women's Basketball team gave a valiant effort in Montana for their season opener, but a win was not in the cards as the Lions (0-1) dropped to Montana State Billings (2-2) 75-59 to kick off the first leg of the PacWest/GNAC Crossover Challenge.
VU had three players score in double-figures, with Micaela Hanning and Emma Schaaf each heading the way with their 16 points apiece. Akilah Kubi also chipped in 13 points and 10 rebounds, which both representing her new career-highs. As a team, the Lions were edged out in the turnover battle, with 15 giveaways to the Yellow Jackets 14.
The Yellow Jackets had four-players hit 10+ points, with Cassie Chestnut's 19 points being a game-high. Layla Baumann went 4-7 from 3PT en route to her 15 points.
What Happened?:
It was a good showing in the early-going for the Blue and Gold, as they jumped out to a 19-17 advantage after the opening frame. Ashlin Crabtree, who missed almost the entirety of last year due to injury, got the start and wasted no time getting back. She opened the Lions account from a familiar place: beyond the arc. Newcomer Emily Shaw also had her first bucket as a Lion, splashing down from deep in the period as well.
The second frame was a buzz, as the hosting Yellow Jackets got to the line quickly, getting the first six points of the period from the charity-stripe. Schaaf, Kubi, and Hanning would all keep their scoring going to keep the Lions within reach, with the former converting an and-one with 2:45 to play to help the Lions to a one-point deficit. However, more free-throws and layups would push MSU-Billings to a 37-33 advantage at the break.
The third-quarter has been the Lions' friend the last couple years, but tonight it was their ultimate undoing. VU would be outscored 19-9 in the period, with the Billings offensive work coming from both inside and out. VU, however, was cold as evident by their 4-17 FG (0-5 3PT). The lead would grow to as big as 16, before finally resting at 56-42 with 10 minutes to go.
The Lions would not go quietly, though, as Bella Medina, would join the headliners for VU in scoring, as Medina hit a triple to jump start the VU attack. Hanning would have a pair of triples of her own in-tow, cutting the lead to five with five to go. However, there would be no completed comeback tonight, as the Jackets sprung away to their first victory of the season.
Of note: In their third ever matchup, Billings now holds the edge at two victories, after VU won the opener last year at a neutral-site in Santa Barbara.
What was said?: "Tough night on the road vs a very strong team," remarked coach Russ Davis who enters his 31st season. "We didn't do what we needed to do and they did. Credit to them. Can't have a team shoot 50% and you shoot in the 30s on their homecoming and expect to win. We play good teams for a reason to get better and learn. We will get there."
What's Next?: The Blue and Gold return to the scene of the crime tomorrow at 6:00pm, taking on Simon Fraser for their next leg of the PacWest/GNAC Crossover Challenge.
