ROCKLIN, Calif. - The Warriors welcomed their first NAIA top-ranked matchup Monday night against No. 22 Carroll College as Jessup returned home for the first time since the passing of teammate Kevin McLemore. Despite the loss, 86-75, the Warriors welcomed the McLemore family and honored Kevin in a pregame ceremony presenting his family with his jersey.

Head coach Lance Von Vogt commented on his team and their strength through the loss of a teammate, "Tonight was about more than basketball as we honored Kevin McLemore. I couldn't be prouder of our young men that have handled these past eight days of grieving with love, compassion and strength."

While the Carroll Saints attacked from the tip, the Warrior strong movement was in full effect through the first half as they clawed their way back, took the lead and continued to compete with the nationally ranked opponent.

Just six minutes into the game, Jayden DeJoseph would hit one in the corner to tie the game at 10 each and another 7 points would be added for a 10-0 run as the Warriors took their first lead, 17-10. They would maintain that lead through a good portion of the half before the Saints chipped their way back, tying it up with their own from beyond the arc at the 5-minute mark, locked at 27.

The lead would change another 5 times before the buzzer for the break sounded with the visiting Saints holding the one-point advantage over the Warriors, 40-39.

The Warriors would come out slow in the second half as Carroll would take a large lead at the 14-minute mark, 57-43 with a 10-4 run. 

"Carroll is one of the best programs in the country and they don't beat themselves," Von Vogt commented. "The first 3 to 4 minutes of the second half we got loose with the ball and they took advantage."

Despite Carroll leading by as much as 15 at the 12-minute mark, the Warriors continued to fight hitting shots that would shift the momentum in their favor cutting the lead to 8-points with none other than another three delivered by DeJoseph with 7 minutes remaining in regulation.

But down the stretch the Warriors would get in foul trouble, sending the Saints to the line, a position they have proved to be their best asset.

"The free-throw disparity was one of the major reasons for the loss," said Von Vogt. "They are the number one free throw shooting team in the country and they got to the line 38 times to our 16 and that differential was too much to overcome. We have to do a better job of defending without fouling." 

Another three from DeJoseph and a drive through the lane for Darrell Polee would cut the lead to five with just under four minutes to play, but Carroll would hit 8 free throws in those final four minutes to take the final score of 86-75 to the end as the Warriors are now 5-2 overall.

Keith Phillips would lead the Warrior with a double-double, 17 points and 14 rebounds, followed by DeJoseph hitting 4-of-5 from far distance for 12  points and Tate DeLaVeaga following suit with 12 points respectively.

"The great thing about this group of guys is that they are coachable and because of that they will figure it out and we will get there. It's only November and now is the time to figure these things out." Von Vogt closed with saying, "This Carroll game will pay huge dividends once we enter GSAC play."

The Warriors will hit the hardwood next week on Wednesday heading back to Cal Maritime to take on the Keelhaulers in a 7:30 pm tipoff. 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).