Lions escape in OT

JACKSON, Tenn. — The Vanguard University women’s basketball team was clearly cold in the opening round of the NAIA Division I Tournament at Oman Arena.

But thanks to outscoring Kentucky-based Lindsey Wilson, 7-0 in overtime, the No. 3-ranked Lions still have a postseason pulse.

The surprisingly snug 64-57 overtime win Thursday, Vanguard’s 17th straight triumph, propels Coach Russ Davis’ squad (25-2) into today’s second round. The Lions face No. 17-ranked Bethel University of Tennessee at 12:15 p.m.

And Davis is hoping the Vanguard shooters will warm considerably after they shot just 32.4% from the field (23 for 71) and an anemic 17.2% from three-point range (five for 29).

Senior All-American Bridgette Reyes led the winners with 19 points, but connected on just six of 20 field-goal attempts, including just one of seven from three-point range. Reyes also led all players with five assists and four steals.

Senior Rachel Copeland, who was four of 13 from the field, was the only other Lion to score in double figures with 11. She sank three of 10 from three-point range.

Senior Jaclyn Blied had 10 rebounds to go with her seven points, while senior Molly Pfohl made four of five field-goal tries to earn eight points. Pfohl fouled out in overtime, however, after having played just 24 minutes.

After the teams were tied at halftime, Vanguard used the first six minutes of the second half to build a 37-31 lead.

But Lindsey Wilson (20-12) rallied for a 39-27 advantage.

A Blied three-pointer gave the Golden State Athletic Conference champions a 57-52 lead with 1:42 left, but Lindsey Wilson chipped away and tied the score with one second left on an inside bucket by Dionda Anthony.

Vanguard dominated the five-minute extra session.

A Reyes assist set up Pfohl for a basket that gave Vanguard the lead for good 41 seconds into OT and Reyes scored the game’s final five points, including her only three-pointer.

Lindsey Wilson missed all four field-goal tries, all from threedom, and failed to convert three free-throw attempts in overtime.

Lindsey Wilson finished seven of 17 from the foul line, just one for seven after halftime.

Vanguard, which forced 25 turnovers and committed only 10, made 13 of 17 free-throw tries.

Bethel (22-10) defeated No. 11-ranked Columbia of Missouri, 61-56, in Thursday’s first round.

NAIA Tournament

First round

Vanguard 64, Lindsey Wilson 57 (OT)

LW – Krell 18, Litzinger 10, Rambert 9, Anthony 8, Waters 6, Cora 3, Spillman 3.

3-pt. goals – Litzinger 1, Cora 1.

Fouled out – None.

Technicals – None.

VU – Pfohl 8, Copeland 11, Reyes 19, Blied 7, Boyd 4, Neves 6, Johnson 5, Halberg 4.

3-pt. goals – Copeland 3, Reyes 1, Blied 1.

Fouled out – Pfohl.

Technicals – None.

Half – 25-25. Regulation – 57-57.