Lions reign, 111-50

COSTA MESA — As Vanguard University Coach Russ Davis put it, Jessica Richter put on a clinic, scoring 32 points in 31 minutes to lead the Lions’ women’s basketball team to an 111-50 Golden State Athletic Conference victory over The Master’s Saturday.

Vanguard, the hosts, showed why it is the top-ranked team in the NAIA with its domination over The Master’s, which entered with a No. 4 ranking. Richter was a big part of that display, shooting 17 of 21 from the field, including five of six from three-point range.

“She put in her bid for NAIA National Player of the Year,” Davis said half jokingly during a phone interview. “Richter was unbelievable. That was a huge win for us.”

Richter also shared team-high honors in rebounds, seven, with Melissa Cook. Vanguard’s Kelly Schmidt battled through foul trouble to finish with 18 points and Lacey Burns added 17 points. Cook, 11 points, and Jacobson, 10 points, also finished in double figures for the Lions (6-0, 2-0 in conference).

The Lions, who led 53-26 at the half, shot 67% for the game.

“I don’t ever remember a Vanguard team shooting that high in a game,” Davis said. “Everything was working. Our defense was stifling. We caused 40 turnovers. It was just our same defense. We were just working hard and we were aggressive.”

Davis also said Vanguard had revenge on its mind. The Master’s upset the Lions in the semifinals of the GSAC Tournament last year.

“We were hungry,” Davis said.

Golden State Athletic Conference

Vangurd 111,

The Master’s 50

The Master’s -- Mittel 12, Nanninga 11, Gillespie 6, Ayers-Stamper 6, Reed 10, Shugert 5.

3-pt. goals -- Mittel 2.

Fouled out -- None.

Technicals -- None.

Vanguard -- Richter 32, Goold 4, Besse 4, Burns 17, Schmidt 18, McClellan 3, Blied 6, Rinke 6, Jacobson 10, Cook 11.

3-pt. goals -- Richter 5, Burns 5, Blied 2, Cook 1.

Fouled out -- Besse.

Technicals -- Team.