Strong Effort Not Enough in Thriller Ending

The Westcliff men's basketball team was looking to get a win after experiencing some close losses in their recent games.

The Warriors hosted the Vanguard University Lions Tuesday evening, in a game that could have gone either way toward the end of regulation.

But it didn't go Westcliff's way and they lost 82-80.

This has been the theme for the last couple of games, where the Warriors have experienced some heartbreaking losses.

The game against Pacific Union went the distance as they suffered their first overtime loss of the season.

The following game against Cal Maritime was a close battle until the end, as the Warriors were defeated by two points.

On Tuesday, it was an intense match-up against the Lions where the Warriors played good defense during crucial moments of the game.

There were good performances by their starters which kept them afloat against a very good Vanguard team. 

Head coach Jerred Cook shared his thoughts after the game: "The team's effort and performance was there but not enough to get us over the top."

It was a hard-fought battle and every time the Lions started to pull ahead the Warriors dug deep and got defensive stops to help them back into the game.

After being down by as much as 12 points, Westcliff worked their way back to get the lead 62-61, with six minutes to go in the second half.

"With a team as disciplined and well-coached as Vanguard, we can't be even in effort and performance, we have to outperform them to win," Cook said.

The Lions would not fold as they went on a 10-2 run over the next three minutes.

But the Warriors would not give up and increased their defensive intensity to force missed layups and a key turnover with 18 seconds left. 

Coach Cook called a timeout to draw up a play as they were down 80-77.

Westcliff tried to inbound the ball but was not successful as they turned over the ball without getting a shot at the basket.

"Poor execution and timing. The look-up we drew up took too long to form and ultimately led to a five-second call," Cook said.

"A great opportunity that slipped through our fingertips."

With too little time left in the game, the Warriors were left feeling frustrated after another two-point loss.

"This isn't the reason we lost; we have to be better in executing the scout, converting at the rim, and making our free throws over the course of the game," Cook said.

They will only have one day off to regroup and get ready for the next game which will take place on Thursday evening.

"Quick turnaround, as we prepare for two conference games later this week," Cook said.

Next up for the Warriors, they will face off against Simpson University on December 8th, with a 5:30 PM tip-off.