VALLEJO, Calif. - After almost a week off and suffering the loss of a teammate, the Warriors were eager to step back onto the court and get back to business to keep Kevin McLemore's dream alive for a winning season. That's just what the Warriors did as they defeated St. Katherine 110-75 in their first of two games at the CSU Maritime Classic.

"I am extremely proud of how the guys responded after one of the most difficult weeks that anyone could imagine," head coach Lance Von Vogt reflected. "There willingness to give such a great effort after this type of week speaks volumes about their character."

The first basket of the game would set the precedence as Jaylen DeJoseph hit one from beyond the arc, their first of 9 three's for the opening 20 minutes of play. Senior Tyras Rattler would follow suit the next possession for the 6-0 lead before the Firebirds would answer back with their own six-straight points.

Rattler would hit his second three of the game in the first 5-minutes and spark the Warriors next and what would be the final lead of the game. A 13-0 run would distance the Warriors from the Firebirds through the first half for the 25-point advantage, 50-25 with just under 4 minutes left in the half. 

At the break, the Warriors would be an impressive 9-for-17 from beyond the arc compared to St. Katherine's two, while defensively the Warriors outrebounded their opponent by 10 (26-16). Leading scorer for the night, Rattler would close the opening half with 12 points, perfect from the field as Jessup led 59-33 at the break.

Just a couple minutes into the final 20-minutes of play, the Warriors would hit their largest lead of the game at 31-points, 69-38. The offensive force would continue as the Warriors would continue their 20-plus point lead through the finish. 

With some key components, not active tonight, an impressive 52 points would come off the bench, Milan leading that way with 12 points. Nearly half of the final score would go to the bench as Jessup advances to 3-1 overall in the 110-75 victory.

Von Vogt was proud of those who stepped up, "We have a couple of key guys out due to illness and injury and I was really proud with how the next man up was ready to go. I feel like our depth is a strength that we have and tonight that depth was tested and they responded."

Rattler led with a double-double, 24 points, and 10 rebounds, while teammates followed, DeJoseph (16), Milan (12) and Austin Dill (10).

"Tyras played his most complete game of the season and he's only going to get better as the year progresses and he gets comfortable in his environment and with his teammates," Von Vogt said.

The Warriors will return to the Cal Maritime Classic tomorrow to take on Portland Bible College at 5:30 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).