Costa Mesa, CA- After leading the entire game until the final 13 seconds, Arizona Christian was unable to seal deal as they fell 61-59 to Vanguard on Saturday.  Senior Matt Willkomm led with 15 points for ACU.

It was all systems go from the beginning for the Firestorm (14-9, 2-7 GSAC) as they built a 13-4 lead just over five minutes into the game.  During the opening stretch, ACU shared the scoring load as six different players scored with Junior Callum Lawson, who hit a three, the only over two points.

The lead never reached double digits and was as small as three but the Firestorm maintained their edge and were ahead 33-26 at the break.

Willkomm converted 13 first half points aided by three 3 pointers.

More of the same in the second half as the Firestorm produced as large as a 13 point spread with the final time coming at 8:54.

With just under seven minutes to play, Arizona Christian held a 54-44 advantage.

But the Lions (14-10, 4-5 GSAC) held the Firestorm to just five more points and started chipping away.

ACU was up just one going into the final minute of play.  Vanguard converted a layup for the 60-59 lead with 13 seconds showing on the clock (a free throw was later added).  Down to about two seconds, one final shot bounced around on the rim but did not fall.

Behind Willkomm's 15, Junior Torrian Epps had 10 points.  In a game where both teams secured 44 rebounds, Lawson and Senior Patson Siame both grabbed a game high ten boards.

On Thursday, the Firestorm will look to rebound as a team when they travel up to Westmont in Santa Barbara.  Game time is set for 7:30 pm PT/ 8:30 pm AT.