Box Score

Fresno Pacific came within one shot of doing something it hadn't done in 10 years: defeat Vanguard. Saturday's game featured the two teams with the most GSAC titles all-time and would have all the makings of a championship caliber matchup as the unranked Sunbirds rose to the occasion to give the #10 Lions everything they could handle before falling 67-64.

The Sunbirds (11-9, 3-5 GSAC) went up by 64-62 with 1:16 to play after a huge three-pointer by Sienna Gonzales and would still lead 64-63 before Vanguard stole the ball with 32 seconds left. Despite a tremendous defensive effort, VU's Allison Burns got off a contested jumper that bounced around the rim before falling through to put the Lions up by one.

FPU had a chance to win on its final possession, but Jenay Herring drove in and ran into a spot that was well-covered by a Vanguard post-player, forcing her to put up a shot that fell short of the mark. Vanguard got the rebound and was fouled with 0.4 seconds left, sinking two free-throws to tack onto the final score.

Keri Stephanoff had 15 points and 12 rebounds to pace the Sunbirds. Herring added 10 points and five assists in limited minutes due to early foul trouble. Brandi Blackwell finished with 13 points. FPU shot 86 percent from the free-throw line.

Allison Drennan had 15 points for the Lions, leading four scorers in double figures. VU held a 51-36 advantage on the boards.

The Sunbirds get another crack at a top-ten team at home, this time on Tuesday night when they host GSAC-leader and NAIA #4 Westmont (18-1, 8-0 GSAC) at 5:30 pm.

Around the GSAC
Azusa Pacific (H) 94, San Diego Christian 60
Westmont 63, Concordia (H) 43
The Masters (H) 78, Point Loma Nazarene 57
Biola (H) 77, Hope International 49