ROCKLIN, Calif. –  The Warriors began day one of the 12th Annual Bill Holtz Warrior Classic with a matchup against Simpson University. It was an intense game and the score went against Jessup as Simpson won 81-79 down the stretch. The loss took the Warriors to a 2-1 record.

"We have a lot to work on and Simpson showed us exactly where we need to get better," head coach Lance Von Vogt commented after the game. "Simpson made the plays down the stretch and earned the victory."

Jessup started things off strong with a layup and dunk by Keith Phillips to give the Warriors a 4-0 lead. Simpson answered quickly with a three-point shot, and the tone for the game was set. The first half was a constant back and forth with neither team pulling ahead until Jessup broke away in the tenth minute. Part of that momentum shift was due to Tyras Rattler Jr. earning rebounds and steals in key situations. Simpson closed the gap slightly through the next few minutes, but Rattler Jr. continued to set the tone, stealing the ball with three minutes left and sinking a clutch layup. Darrell Polee was quiet in terms of points, earning two in the first half, but he was a force to be reckoned with on defense. In multiple fast breaks by Simpson, Polee was able to keep up and shut down any scoring opportunity.

The Warriors were strong in their offense during the first half, making 17-of-39 of their field goals, while Simpson made 14-of-27. Keith Phillips led the team in scoring for the first half with 12 points. Antonio Lewis, who was also unusually quiet, made the most noise by earning eight of the Warriors' 21 rebounds in the first half.

The second half started off with the same energy as Jessup looked to capitalize on their lead. Phillips exploded right off the bat with a three, a layup, and a free throw within the first two minutes. The Warriors lost some momentum in the twelfth minute as Simpson took the lead, 56-55, yet the Warriors would not back down. For the next ten minutes, the score was back and forth within a three-point margin. Jessup broke away on a three-point basket by Phillips and a layup by Austin Dill. With 35 seconds left, Simpson brought it back to a one point differential. Simpson made a layup with 14 seconds left to win, the final score 81-79, Simpson.

The largest strength Jessup showed was their teamwork. Overall there were 10 assists, 26 points off the bench, 27 points off of turnovers, and 42 rebounds resulting in 17 points, all accompanied by 46 points inside the paint.

Phillips led the team in scoring with 25 points, Brandon Lindsey and Tate DeLaVeaga also hit double digits with 10 and 11 respectively. Lewis led defensively with 13 rebounds, while Phillips and Rattler Jr. each had six.

"This early in the season you may earn a loss like we did tonight as you are trying to figure out your team," Von Vogt concluded. "We have a lot of moving pieces and we will address our mistakes and get better."

The Warriors play in day two of the Bill Holtz Warrior Classic, November 3, at 6:00 PM against Northwest Christian University.
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).