Lions cruise after half

JACKSON, Tenn. — The Vanguard University women’s basketball team began defense of its NAIA Division I championship with a slow start against Berry College of Georgia Wednesday.

But the Lions, the top seed in its eight-team bracket, bounced back in the second half to score a 72-51 win in the first round of the NAIA National Championships. Senior Lauren Gregory scored 16 of her game-high 19 points in the second half for the Lions (30-3), who led 27-23 at halftime and clung to a 27-26 edge early in the second half.

Vanguard stretched its lead to 14 points, but the Vikings (18-15) pulled to within, 51-45, with 6:19 left. But, the Lions closed it out with a 21-6 run.

Gregory grabbed 10 rebounds, as did Molly Pfohl, to help Vanguard hold the rebounding advantage, 57-40. Bridgette Reyes came off the bench to add 17 points, while Rachel Copeland scored 13 points.

Vanguard advances to the second round to face Westminster of Utah Friday at 10:45 a.m.

NAIA Division I National Championships

First round

Vanguard 72, Berry 51

VU – Neves 4, Copeland 13, Pfohl 9, Gregory 19, Blied 2, Johnson 2, Halberg 6, Reyes 17.

3-pt. goals – Copeland 2, Gregory 2.

BC – Compton 2, Ross 3, Carlisle 2, Bryant 7, Jones 11, Jackson 11, Coughlan 2, Crumley 4, Lampley 4, Davis 2, Howes 3.

3-pt. goals – Ross 1, Bryant 1, Jones 1, Jackson 1, Crumley 1.

Halftime: VU, 27-23.