ELLENSBURG, Wash.--PacWest champion Vanguard overcame a slow start to push their way back to a 79-75 NCAA tournament win over CSU Los Angeles on Friday night at Nicholson Arena.

The Lions, playing in their first NCAA tournament in any sport, trailed in the first and second quarters by as many as 12 points but stayed the course to rally for the win. VU's historic season continues as they move on with a 26-5 record.

Post Emma Schaaf had 22 points, 10 rebounds and five blocked shots to pace the Lions. Kaylee Byon added 16 points, eight assists and five rebounds and Shayla O'Neil had 13 points. Schaaf hit 9 of 11 shots from the free throw line.

The No. 5 seeded Golden Eagles had upset on their minds early. They led at the end of the first quarter 27-19 and held a 33-21 advantage early in the second. But the PacWest conference and tournament champ began to shoot their way back into the contest and tied the game at 42-42 at the break.

Then, it was all Lions in the third quarter. Jaryn Madsen hit a trey and buckets by Schaaf and Byon pushed the VU lead to 14 points at 60-46. CSULA made a mini run before the end of the quarter to make it 62-55 heading into the final frame.

Vanguard continued to keep their opponent at a distance but the Golden Eagles also wouldn't go away. After Schaaf scored with 1:40 left to make it a 71-62 VU lead, CSULA's Nevaeh Asiasi went back to work with a three-point play and separate field goal, and just like that the lead was cut to three points. Another Asiasi basket with 16 seconds left cut it to 77-75. From there, the Golden Eagles had their chances but missed shots sandwiched around free throws by Byon and Schaaf to seal the game. 

Vanguard hit 18 of 24 free throws (75 percent). CSU Los Angeles' season comes to a close at 24-7.

The Lions, led by head coach Russ Davis, have long been an NAIA national power and now look to continue their first NCAA run tomorrow night against the host Wildcats.