Vanguard survives a scare

The top team in NAIA Division I gets tested, leading by just four points down the stretch before beating an unheralded Biola squad. COSTA MESA -- Vanguard University’s women’s basketball team got its biggest scare of the season before holding on to defeat Biola, 69-54, in a Golden State Athletic Conference game Tuesday night.

After beating the Eagles by 36 points in their first meeting, the Lions led by as many as 13 points in the first half, forcing 14 turnovers. Despite leading by 11 at the break, Vanguard wasn’t able to shake Biola completely in the second half.

A layup by Megan Alberts started a 14-2 run, keyed by Crystal Duncan’s three three-pointers, as the Eagles pulled to within four points. Duncan’s three-pointer with 5:30 remaining cut Vanguard’s lead to 54-50.

Kelly Schmidt hit two free throws at the 5:12 mark to put the Lions (19-0, 12-0 in conference) back up by six. Despite missing its next three free throws, Vanguard extended its lead to 10 on layups by Jessica Richter and Tiari Goold.

Biola (7-13, 4-8) trimmed the lead again on Linda Ogugua’s two free throws, but that would be its last gasp. Lacey Burns scored on a layup at the other end, sparking a 19-2 finish for the Lions.

Vanguard had its problems offensively, shooting 38.2% from the field in the first half and making 4 of 17 three-pointers in the game. Schmidt proved to be the lone Lions player fully on her game, making 11 of 16 shots from the field and finishing with a game-high 27 points and 13 rebounds.

Richter, who missed the Lions’ previous game against San Diego Christian with a bad ankle, had 14 points and seven rebounds in her return. The sophomore guard made 5 of 13 from the field -- 2 of 7 from three-point range -- and had three steals.

Goold had another night of double-digit assists with 10, and also had four steals and four points. Andrea Jacobson came off the bench to add nine points.

For Biola, Duncan scored a team-high 18 points, making four of six three-pointers. Alberts, the Eagles’ leading scorer this season, added 10 points and five rebounds off the bench.

Biola committed 27 turnovers in the game.

Vanguard travels to Concordia on Saturday to seek its 20th win of the season.

Golden State

Athletic Conference

Vanguard 69, Biola 54

Score by Halves