SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The Warriors (18-7, 10-4) jumped three spots in the national rankings last week after back-to-back conference wins. They kept the streak alive defeating San Diego Christian College (10-13, 3-10) 99-91 on the road.
The Warriors launched into their game at San Diego Christian Thursday evening jumping to a quick 6-1 lead but the Hawks found their footing shortly thereafter, making their own run to grab the lead 10-9 five minutes into the game and the match started to develop into an offensive shoot-off.
Micheal Patterson (Amarillo, TX) let the crowd know that Jessup wasn't planning on leaving without a victory, throwing down a delicious two hand dunk after a gorgeous hook pass from Anthony Morton (Los Angeles, CA). The dunk gave Jessup a boost of energy and Brenton Muldrow hit a layup and a three to give Jessup a 19-15 lead nearing the 10-minute mark.
Closing in on five minutes remaining, Jessup found their stride. Fueled by a long-ball from Kelton Newman (Elk Grove, CA), followed by a gorgeous 1-2-3 pass from Newman to Patterson to Brian Simmons (Sacramento, CA) giving Jessup their largest lead of the night at 44-33.
The Warriors would hold on to that lead for the next five minutes of the half, closing the opening period with a 53-41 lead.
It was the Hawks of San Diego that returned from the halftime talks with the momentum. San Diego came out on an 8-0 run at the Warriors before Desmond Floyd (Gilbert, AZ) grabbed a putback from an offensive rebound. Despite the initial setback, it was Jessup that appeared to be playing more intensely, at least defensively.
The effort paid off for the Warriors as they rebuilt their lead to nine after the opening five minutes of the half. The Hawks appeared to be daring Jessup to shoot at the 3-point arc and the Warriors were happy to oblige. Even when they couldn't convert, Floyd, Andre Smith (San Diego, CA) and Cody Wilcox (Grass Valley, CA) were often there to collect the rebound.
Jessup looked like they might run away with the game for a while but the match-up fell into a rhythm where the Warriors maintained an eleven point advantage over the Hawks for the majority of the period. Jessup remained patient offensively, using the clock to their advantage while playing tenacious defense, forcing San Diego to rely almost entirely on fast breaks for offensive production.
Even though Jessup wasn't extending their lead, when the clock started inside of five minutes every tick seemed to make their lead grow. Eventually, the score settled at 99-91 when the final horn sounded.
"I am proud of this group of guys for playing in a tough environment on senior night against a very motivated opponent," said head coach Lance Von Vogt. "Any conference road win is cause for celebration, especially when it ties a school record for wins."
In addition to tying the school record for wins in a season, Smith tied Corey Clement (Las Vegas, NV) for the school record for most rebounds in a game with 20. Smith also rounded out his double-double with 23 points. Clement led the Warriors offensively with 25 points while grabbing 13 rebounds.
The Warriors still have a tough challenge in front of them as they head to Phoenix, Arizona for their second Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) road game on Saturday, taking on No. 17 Arizona Christian University. The Warriors play their final game of the regular season on senior night at home, Thursday, February 25, at 7:30 against No. 23 Westmont.
Jessup currently sits in third place in the GSAC and after the conclusion of the regular season will playing in the GSAC postseason tournament at Hope International starting March 2nd.
***
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), @WJUSports (Twitter), and @JessupAthletics (Instagram, and Snapchat).
