The Lambuth Lady Eagles fought hard to defend their national championship but Vanguard knocked Lambuth out of the national tournament with a 70-67 victory Friday night at Oman Arena. 

 

Lambuth finished the season at 24-10. 

 

In a game that featured four ties and five lead change, Lambuth jumped out to a 6-4 lead with just over 17minutes left in the half. Vanguard answered with a 14-0 run over the next six minutes. The Lady Eagles finally snapped the six-minute drought with a basket from Donna Lavea. Lambuth closed the half with a 13-4 run over the final four mintues to trail by just one at the break, 36-35.

 

Vanguard opened the second half with a 12-3 run to take a 12-point lead ,50-38 ,with just over 14 minutes left in the game. The defending champions fought back to lead 62-58 late in the contest. Vanguard had a 8-0 run to recapture the lead.

 

The Lady Eagles were not finished, as a three pointer by C.T.Kintchen gave the Lady Eagles hope but Vanguard answered with a basket to lead 68-65. Lambuth had the ball down by three when Kintchen was fouled on a three-point attempt with nine seconds left. She made two of the free-throws. After a Lambuth timeout, Vanguard was able to break the Lambuth press and score with one second left and the Lady Eagles season came to a heartbreaking end.

 

Lambuth was led by Kintchen with 26 points.Senior Dee Preyer added 13 points.Preyer is the only senior on the Lady Eagles squad.All Lamuth fans wish Dee the very best and thank her  for the wonderful memories. Preyer hit the biggest basket in Lambuth history last year against Union in the national semi-finals.