Fullerton, Calif. – The Jessup University men's basketball team (9-5, 1-2) faced an uphill battle Thursday as they traveled to #11 Hope International (13-2, 2-0) for their first conference road game of the season. The Warriors looked strong throughout the game but couldn't hold on for a win, eventually succumbing to a 73-62 defeat.
With the exception of the opening minute, a mostly healthy Warrior roster played a phenomenal first half against a talented opponent. The Warriors were executing intense defensive play, making the extra pass offensively, and for the most part playing disciplined basketball.
The Warrior's efforts payed off through the first half of play. Hope seemed frustrated in their inability to find an answer to either Jessup's quick attacks or methodical post play.
"We are much further along as a program right now versus this time last year," commented Jessup's head coach Lance Von Vogt. "There is great reason to be encouraged by our play tonight."
The Warriors really hit their stride 10 minutes into the game when senior big man Andre Smith (San Diego, CA) side stepped his defender before giving a perfect shuffle pass to now wide open fellow big man Desmond Floyd (Gilbert, AZ) underneath to take a three point lead.
The Warriors would grow their lead to as many nine points in the half with defensive stands and offensive contributions coming from across the team. Hope would find an end of half run; though, to close Jessup's lead to four, 29-25 at halftime.
The Warriors played the second half with the same level of effort and enthusiasm as they did the first. The only difference was Jessup fouling disproportionately to their opponent. The "and-one" opportunities began to eat away the Warrior advantage on the scoreboard. Before long, the Warriors had four of their players with four fouls each.
Hope capitalized on their newfound advantage making 27 out of 31 second half free throws. Over the course of the game Hope would make 32 free throws compared to the Warriors 12. The difference at the line proved too much to overcome for the Warriors.
Senior Corey Clement (Las Vegas, NV) once again led the Warriors offense with 22 points and eight rebounds. Smith finished the game with 12 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double.
"I am encouraged by our effort on the road against a nationally ranked opponent," concluded Von Vogt. "The next step in our process is to be able to close out a team like this when you have them on the ropes."
Jessup immediately faces another challenge on the road as they make a short road trip to #24 Vanguard University on Saturday. The Warriors return home to host GSAC opponent Biola University on January 14 at 7:30 p.m.
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William Jessup University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC). For additional information regarding Jessup Athletics, visit www.jessupathletics.com; visit www.jessup.edu for more information on William Jessup University. Follow Jessup Athletics on social media: William Jessup University Athletics (Facebook), @JessupAthletics (Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat).
