Box Score COSTA MESA, CA– The 7th ranked Arizona Christian Firestorm men's basketball team defeated the Vanguard Lions on Thursday evening by a final of 78-75 at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, California.
With the victory, the 7th ranked Firestorm improve to 21-5 overall and 10-2 in GSAC play; to remain tied for first place in the conference. With the loss, the Vanguard University Lions fall to 14-11 overall and 6-6 in GSAC play.
The first half turned into a close battle between the Firestorm and the Vanguard Lions. ACU shot 42% (11-for-26) from the field and shot just 33% (3-of-9) from beyond the three-point arc. The Firestorm made it count from the free-throw line in the first half, shooting 90% (9-for-10). Vanguard also shot the ball well in the first half, shooting 43% (16-for-37) from the field. The Lions however struggled from beyond the three-point arc, shooting 36% (4-for-11) and shot 33% (1-for-3) from the free-throw line. Arizona Christian would take a slim 37-34 lead into halftime.
The second half featured much of the same things as seen in the first half, but ACU was able to get to the free-throw line a few times more and covert on their free-throws to seal the three point victory. Arizona Christian shot 46% (13-for-28) from the floor in the second half, but shot just 28% (2-for-7) from beyond the three-point arc. The Firestorm attempted 23 free-throws in the second half, making 16 of them. Vanguard on the other hand, shot 46% (12-for-26) from the field and shot just 14% (1-for-7) from beyond the three-point arc. The Lions struggled at the free-throw line as well, converting on just 13 of their 20 attempts.
In the victory, the Firestorm had four players finish in double-figures. Leading the way was guard Brandon Newman with 18 points on 6-of-11 shooting, with one rebound, one assist, and one steal.
The Firestorm men remain on the road, as they get set to do battle with the Concordia Eagles on Saturday evening. Tip time is scheduled for 8:30pm in Arizona; 7:30pm local time in Irvine, California. Arizona Christian returns home on February 19th, when Westmont College comes to town, with the game scheduled to start at 7:30pm; after the women's game.
