Lions lights out in decisive win

Vanguard shoots 66% from the field and 76.9% from three-point range to end losing streak.COSTA MESA -- With a depleted roster due to injury and illness, the Vanguard University men’s basketball team could not scrimmage this week in practice.

Forced to find alternative practice routines, perhaps the Lions worked on their shooting.

They shot 66% from the field Thursday -- including 10 of 13 from three-point range (76.9%) -- to help earn an 82-68 victory over Beloit College of Wisconsin in the opening round of the Surf City Classic at Vanguard.

Sophomore Greg Gusiff made 9 of 12 from the field, including 4 of 5 from three-point tries, to net a game-high 22 points for the winners (6-5), who snapped a four-game losing streak.

“We needed this one badly,” Vanguard Coach Bob Wilson said.

De’Auonte’ Johnson added 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Lions, who received 12 points, six rebounds and four assists from Levi Seekins.

Miguel Rosales added 10 points, making 5 of 7 field-goal attempts, and point guard Horace Wormely had 12 assists to go with his two points.

Vanguard played just eight players to drop Beloit, an NCAA Division III school, to 4-4.

Beloit shot 53.6% from the field and had just 10 turnovers to the Lions’ 16. But the Lions’ hot shooting proved too much to overcome.

“It took us a while to get going, because we haven’t been able to scrimmage,” said Wilson, whose team trailed, 7-0 and 9-2.

Vanguard used a 12-0 run late in the first half to seize a 40-27 advantage. After Beloit closed to within 51-46, Gusiff had two three-pointers to key a 7-0 run to regain control.

Vanguard 82, Beloit 68

Score by Halves