VU men can’t pull off upset

COSTA MESA — For the second time this season, the Lions nearly pulled an upset over No. 14 San Diego Christian before falling in a Golden State Athletic Conference game Tuesday at The Pit, 67-64.

Newport Harbor High product Dennis Heenan, a freshman guard, had 22 points and six rebounds for Vanguard on eight-of-14 shooting. Greg Scott added 14 points and seven assists for the Lions (6-19, 3-13 in conference), who outscored the visitors, 35-34, in the second half.

Kevin Dalafu had nine points for Vanguard, and Matt Davis had seven rebounds. Greg Gusiff added six points and three assists for the Lions.

Drew Sanchez, last week’s GSAC men’s basketball Player of the Week, had a team-high 16 points, with six rebounds and five assists, for San Diego Christian (19-4, 12-4). Jeremiah Trueman added 14 points and Rory Morgan had 10 for San Diego Christian, which also beat Vanguard at home, 68-61, on Jan. 9.

The Hawks had 34 points in the paint Tuesday, compared to just 14 for Vanguard, and outrebounded the Lions 35-26.

However, the Lions made nine of 19 three-pointers, led by Heenan’s five makes from three-point range. Scott, Gussiff, Dalafu and Brian Roberts all added three-pointers for Vanguard.

Vanguard plays at No. 9 Azusa Pacific on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

For a box score from Tuesday night’s game, please see College Roundup on page A9.