College men’s basketball: Vanguard men win easily

Steve Virgen

COSTA MESA - Pardon the cliche, but Vanguard University men’s

basketball coach Stephen French told his players, “This is must-win

game,” before taking on visiting Golden State Athletic Conference foe

Fresno Pacific.

The message was clear enough for the Lions, a team still searching for

its identity, yet was able to defeat the Sunbirds, 65-48, Saturday.

The Lions (3-7, 2-3 in the GSAC) earned the win without one of its top

players, Damion Morbley, who did not play because of the coach’s

decision.

French said other players stepped up like Leviticus Williamson, who

scored 12 points, blocked four shots and recorded two steals in 30

minutes. Vanguard’s Shane McKim, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound guard, used a

solid post game to lead the Lions with 15 points, while Josh Pierson shot

3 of 4 from behind the three-point line for 14 points. Vanguard also

attacked the boards with vigor, as McKim led with 10 rebounds and Ian

Boys, who scored 10 points, pulled down eight rebounds.

“They’re not a bad team,” French said of the Sunbirds (1-9, 0-5).

“They’re a lot like us because they are hot and cold. Some nights we play

well; some nights we don’t. This is a big win for us. This will be with

us over the (GSAC) break and make us hungry when we get back.”

The Lions showed some hunger with 15 minutes left when Williamson

nailed a three-pointer to give Vanguard a 37-29 lead. He made another

three one minute later and on the trip down on defense he came up with a

steal which set up a fast break. He fed a pass to Garid Beeler, who

dished an assist to Tommy Stankan for the easy layup.

The play prompted a Sunbirds timeout and the Lions rode the momentum

to victory.