KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. -  The Warriors men's basketball team closed out their time at the Lithia Oregon Tech Classic Saturday night taking on the Owls (5-3) on their home court. The Warriors (6-2) fought down to the wire but were unable to take the lead from the tournament host falling by a slim margin, 71-68. 

Head coach Lance Von Vogt was proud of his team despite the loss, stating their hard work was evident. "I am very proud of our guy's effort and teamwork tonight. This was a terrific basketball game and our guys competed in a hostile environment against a terrific OIT squad. The ball didn't bounce our way in this one but we never hung our heads or quit competing."

Despite the Owls hitting the court hot out the gate, the Warriors continued to chip away at their lead throughout the whole contest. The Warriors shot a mere 37-percent from the floor in the first half with a slow start, while the home team found their comfort shooting the slight advantage, 43-percent. 

Jessup trailed by as much as 14-points with 5 minutes remaining in the first half, but a spark struck the blue and red the next 4 minutes to go on an 11-2 run. Headed into the break the Warriors made up grounds and trailed the Owls by just five points, 34-29.

Coming out of the locker room with determination, the Warriors tied it up 39-39 with an impressive 7-0 start just five minutes into the half. Jessup continued to challenge Oregon Tech offensively in the second half holding them to 31-percent from the floor and just 2-of-10 from beyond the arc, while they improved to 47-percent from the hardwood.

With less than a minute in regulation, the Warriors trailed by 5 but would cut the lead with a pair of layups from Brandon Lindsey and Keith Phillips, but the Owls would make their free throws when it mattered for the victory. 

Phillips led the Warriors with his third double-double of the season posting 19 points and 11 rebounds. Also adding double-figures for the Warriors was Medearis (11) and Lindsey (10).

"Tonight's contest was great preparation for our guys to understand what is required to win on the road in conference play," said Von Vogt. ""We can build off of tonight's game despite it being a loss." 

The Warriors will break for the Thanksgiving holiday and be back in action on the road November 29th at UC Merced before heading back to Horton Court Friday, December 2nd hosting Cal Maritime at 7:30 pm.  
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) and @JessupAthletics (Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat).