Vance Soars for 31, Olympians Dominate Lumberjacks in High-Scoring Affair
Olympians' Offensive Firepower Too Much for Lumberjacks
By Sarah Jenkins
PORTLAND – The Athens Olympians showcased their offensive prowess on Saturday, overwhelming the Portland Lumberjacks in a 121-106 victory that underscored their explosive potential. Despite a valiant effort from Portland, particularly in the paint, a stellar performance from Priya Vance and the Olympians’ remarkably efficient ball movement proved too much to overcome.
The game started with both teams trading baskets, but it was the Olympians who began to pull away in the second quarter. Priya Vance was a force from the opening tip, consistently finding ways to score and igniting the Athens offense. Her 31 points were a game-high and a testament to her offensive versatility. Early in the second, a smooth jumper by Adebayo Obafemi kept the Lumberjacks within striking distance, but back-to-back buckets from Vance, including a powerful drive to the hoop, extended the Olympians’ lead.
The third quarter saw Portland attempt to claw back. Kian Maxwell hit a crucial field goal, and Sita Devi added a timely triple, demonstrating the Lumberjacks’ resilience. However, Athens responded with precision. Astrid Jensen knocked down a three-pointer, and Sophie Lane added a smooth mid-range jumper, reasserting their control. “We knew they had scoring threats,” said Lumberjacks coach David Miller. “But their ability to share the ball and find the open shooter was elite tonight.” The limited turnovers by the Olympians, a mere two for the entire game, highlighted their exceptional offensive execution.
In the final frame, despite strong efforts from Brooke King and Florian Richter for Portland, the Olympians continued to pour it on. Chloe Lee sealed the victory with a clutch three-pointer in the closing minutes. “We just stuck to our game plan and trusted each other,” Vance commented after the game. “When we move the ball like that, it opens up everything.”
Key Notes:
- Priya Vance led all scorers with 31 points.
- The Athens Olympians committed only 2 turnovers in the contest.
- Portland Lumberjacks shot 27.8% from three-point range (10-of-36).
- The Olympians assisted on 33 of their 51 made field goals.
- Kian Maxwell chipped in 13 points and 7 rebounds for Portland.