ROCKLIN, Calif. - Another historic night for Jessup men's basketball was put on display as the Warriors clinched their 20th win of the season in an 85-69 victory over Ottawa University - AZ to record the most program wins in school history. 

"We do celebrate this 20th victory and the school record that comes along with it, because it was earned by this amazing group of men working hard every day," head coach Lance Von Vogt said of the nationally ranked Warriors. "Sacrificing for one another and putting the team first. We aren't happy with where we are at right now. We are still hungry for this last 33 days of the season!"

The contest would open with lead changes back-and-forth through the first five minutes before the Warriors came alive on a 12-2 run to take the lead for good. At the halfway point in the first half, Darrell Polee would drain a three from deep for the Warriors to take a double-figure lead into the break.

Shooting an impressive 63-percent from the field in the first half, the Warriors led the Spirit 48-34 at the break with Keith Phillips (11) and Isaiah Milan taking the charge in double figures offensively.

Stat leader on the night, Antonio Lewis would have an explosive second half as he opened the final 20-minutes of play with back-to-back layups tallying 12 points. The senior would go on to score 12 more points and pull down 8 rebounds for a total 22 points and 15 rebounds on the night. This is Lewis' 7th double-double on the season.

"Tone was fantastic tonight," Von Vogt said. "Scoring, rebounding and making effort plays. We needed his energy."

The second half would remain in the home team's favor as the Warriors extended their lead to as much as 21-points 8 minutes into the final half. OUAZ would chip away the lead but time would run out as Jessup brought home the historic win, 85-69.

Finishing the game shooting 52.5-percent from the floor, the Warriors also grabbed a total 42 rebounds to the Spirit's 25, 11 of those offensive boards to move them third in the country in offensive rebounds per game (14.1) and 9th in the country for total rebounds per game (42.4).

Behind Lewis' double-double was another offensive performance by NAIA Player of the Week, Phillips who had 18 points and Milan who finished with 12.

"The guys did what we needed to do tonight and everyone had the opportunity to enter the game and play some February basketball," concluded Von Vogt, "which is an awesome thing."

The Warriors will take on their final Top-25 matchup of the regular season on Saturday in (24) Arizona Christian at 2 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).