Lions stick it to Lancers

Vanguard women lead throughout, but need a second-half run to dispose of Cal Baptist in a Golden State Athletic Conference game.RIVERSIDE -- Once again, Vanguard University’s women’s basketball team let an opponent hang around for a while. Once again, it didn’t change the outcome.

The Lions didn’t break away until midway through the second half, hitting the afterburners for a 79-55 Golden State Athletic Conference victory over Cal Baptist University. Vanguard remained one of two undefeated teams in NAIA, along with Trevecca Nazarene (Tenn.).

A 19-5 run in the first half gave the Lions (15-0, 8-0 in conference) a fast lead, but Cal Baptist proved to be willing to stay close. Trailing 27-14, the Lancers came back on Nicole Davis’ back-to-back three-pointers and got as close as six points before Vanguard extended its lead back to 10 at halftime.

Jessica Richter scored 21 of her game-high 36 points in the opening half for Vanguard. The sophomore hit four of her season-best eight three-pointers in the first 20 minutes.

Cal Baptist (10-8, 4-4) remained competitive as the second half started, until the Lions went on an 11-0 run over a four-plus minute stretch to extend their lead to 65-40. Richter made two three-pointers during the outburst.

Richter made 13 of 28 shots in the game, including eight of 20 from three-point range. She also had five rebounds and four steals.

Kelly Schmidt added a double-double for the Lions, finishing with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Lacey Burns chipped in with 13 points, three three-pointers, and four assists.

Tiari Goold continued her giving ways, dishing out 11 assists and turning the ball over just twice in 30 minutes.

Vanessa Wilt led the Lancers with 19 points and 18 rebounds.

Vanguard returns to action Saturday, playing host to Hope International at 5:30 p.m.

Golden State Athletic Conference

Vanguard 79, Cal Baptist 55

Score by Halves