Mesa, Ariz. – The second day of competition was opened with an equally matched game showing the University of Antelope Valley and Westcliff University. In the end, it was the Pioneers of Antelope Valley who dominated and secured a 63-50 win over Westcliff.
Both teams tried to set their pace of play in the first quarter, with the Pioneers' setting the pace of play at maximum early. However, Eva Taylor of the Warriors went 3-3 from deep in the quarter, a massive factor in the Westcliff one-point lead entering quarter number two.
The fastbreak heavy paced game continued in the second half, but was quickly slowed down by the fifth Pioneer foul at the 5:11 mark of the second quarter. It was a large task for the Pioneer's sixth-year head coach Deon Price, but a necessary one for UAV to stay in the contest entering the break. The Warriors grew their lead to a game-high six with just over six minutes to go.
The three-point shot continued poorly from the Pioneers, but their quality defense gave them more shooting chances, leading to them tying the game at 27 with just under three minutes to go. The fast-paced pressure continued, as UAV pounded their way to a four-point lead at half. A 7-0 run over the final three minutes set the score heading into the locker room at 31-27.
The Pioneers tried to set their post presence in both quarters of the first half, but Kellymar Ramirez and Matesn McMiller were shut down well by the Warriors down low. The Warriors led in both field goal and three-point percentage in the first half, but their 10 turnovers compared to the Pioneers' five is the major difference in the game
The second half began just as fast, chippy, and high intensity as the first half, with the teams trading buckets in the first several minutes of the third quarter. Janae Turner of Antelope Valley got hot from deep, knocking down two in quick succession, but was responded to by a three from Westcliff's Eva Taylor.
The Warriors continued to struggle hanging onto the ball, a major factor in giving the Pioneers an 11-point lead at the end of the third quarter. Janae Turner hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to put an exclamation point on a big quarter for Antelope Valley.
Antelope Valley came out flying in the fourth, forcing four Warrior turnovers in just the first three minutes. That defensive pressure led to success on the fastbreak, as they grew their game-high lead to 16. With a minute remaining in the game, the Warriors focused their attention on defense and trying to stay alive. Their three minute scoring drought continued until a made free-throw from Vasquez, but at that point, the game was in the hands of the Pioneers.
Finishing on trend, the Pioneers took it down to the free-throw line, securing the 13-point victory, and sending them to the final round of the tournament. Cal Pac Player of the Year, Chinna Fair, led the game in scoring with 23 points, while Kellymar Ramirez led the game with 12 rebounds.
For the Warriors, they shot just 31.5% from the field and 26.7% from deep. Vasquez led the way with 16 points and 11 rebounds, and Taylor finished with 14 points on 4-10 shooting from beyond the arc.
Antelope Valley will face-off against the winner of the 3:30 p.m. game between #3 Embry-Riddle and #2 Simpson in the championship game. The final takes place at 5 p.m. AST on Tuesday evening at Bell Bank Park.
