SURPRISE, ARIZ. - The OUAZ women's basketball team gave ninth-ranked Vanguard all it could handle on Thursday night, pushing the GSAC squad with the highest national championship hopes to the limit. Despite the 63-53 final, the Spirit were within three points midway through the third quarter, and did not trail by double digits at any point prior to the final frame.

OUAZ put together a great shooting performance in the second half, making 51.7% of its attempts from the floor. The Spirit knocked down 56.3% of its shots in a blistering fourth quarter that saw both teams combine for 47 points over the final ten minutes.

Marlee Johnson led OUAZ in both points and rebounds on Thursday, finishing with 14 points and eight boards. Johnson also had a pair of assists and a steal.

The reigning GSAC Player of the Week put together another solid performance, as Brianna Humphries had 13 points and six rebounds. Humphries made six of her eight field goal attempts, and added two assists, a block and a steal.

The Spirit will wrap up its season on Saturday when they host Hope International. Tipoff from Faith Arena is scheduled for Noon.

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