LAKELAND, Fla.— The William Jessup Men's Basketball team (7-5) played their final contest of a three-game road trip in Florida as they lost 85-98 in overtime to Southeastern University (11-4). 
 
Head coach Lance Von Vogt commented after the game saying, "This is a tough one to lose but it shows how tough it is to win on the road against good teams. Southeastern didn't lay down when we had the double-digit lead throughout the game. They stayed in it and really played well down the stretch." 
 
In the opening fourteen minutes of the first half each of these teams traded the lead on a routine basis with fast-paced up-and-down play. With 6:04 left in the first half, Tarren Storey-Way converted on a three-pointer off a pass from Isaiah Milan putting the Warriors up 28-26. This was immediately followed up with back-to-back shots from distance by Jourdan Johnson forcing a Southeastern timeout. 
 
Jessup was able to close the half out on a strong note as they led 46-35 at the break. 
 
Luis Medearis picked up right where he left off in the first half as he scored or assisted on 10 of the Warriors first 13 points of the second half. The Warriors were able to hold the lead for the majority of the second half until the Fire went on a late scoring run and Jessup trailed 73-72 with 5:05 left in regulation. The Southeastern offense was centered around Jeremy Oppenheimer as he posted 38 points. 
 
Von Vogt spoke highly of Oppenheimer as he said, "We weren't able to stop Oppenheimer on their side and they went exclusively to a ball screen offense with him. That's the best guard play we've seen all year. He played a career game tonight." 
 
As these teams continued to trade buckets, the Warriors got a timely three-pointer as Milan nailed the shot with 32 seconds left. On defense, Jessup used their versatile length to deny the Fire a clean shot attempt forcing overtime. 
 
During the overtime period, the Warriors were unable to hold on as they lost 85-98. In regards to overtime, Von Vogt said, "We got off to a slow start in OT and we weren't able to get it going." Von Vogt added, "We will get back at it after Christmas and continue to improve. We are definitely a work in progress and there were a lot of positives today."
 
One of those positives coach Von Vogt is referring to is the career game from Luis Medearis. Leading the Warriors in scoring was Medearis with a career-best 30 while also pulling down 8 rebounds. Also playing an effective game was Isaiah Milan as he finished with 17 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds. 
 
The Warriors will return home for the New Year's Eve Classic beginning on December 30^th with a  matchup against Pacific Union College at 4:00 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.edufor more information on William Jessup University. Follow Jessup Athletics on social media: William Jessup University Athletics (Facebook) and @JessupAthletics (Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat).