ROCKLIN, Calif. - In a night dedicated to the seniors and their final regular-season matchup on Horton Court, the sensational six and their teammates performed in one of their best games of the season, taking down the Menlo Oaks 90-68, finishing 12-6 in conference play.

"Tonight's win was exactly what it was supposed to be, a total team effort on both ends of the floor," head coach Lance Von Vogt went on to speak of the team's efforts to play out their purpose this season, "Our word for this season is sacrifice and that is exactly what every young man on this team has done throughout this season and for our seniors it is what they've done for their whole career at Jessup."

The Warriors were coming off a tough loss at home last week to the nationally ranked Firestorm, but just like many times this season, the Warriors continued to show fight and strength through adversity to prove they have the heart to make a postseason run, but it was going to take a win over the Oaks to get back on track.

Just in the opening half, the Warriors saw seven of the nine players who entered the game contributing to Jessup 42-29 lead. Senior Darrell Polee leading the 10 points. An early lead from the start would remain through the first half, as Jessup led by as much as 16 points before the Oaks hit a final deep three at the buzzer to close the margin to 13. 

Continuing where they left off, the Warriors would maintain the double-digit lead through the remainder of regulation, with three seniors hitting double figures on the night led by Keith Phillips who tallied a double-double with 20 points and 13 rebounds in just 30 minutes of play. Close behind was Polee with 16 points, knocking down four from beyond the arc and Tyras Rattler Jr. finishing with 12 points in his 27-minute outing.

With their current positioning released earlier this week at No. 19 in the country, the Warriors are looking to return to Kansas City in March starting to play their best basketball and proving they can compete against some of the best teams in the conference, which also happen to be some of the best teams in the country.

Von Vogt shared his view of the team and their talents just getting started, "I couldn't be prouder of the way we have overcome every obstacle all season long. We've earned the right to play March basketball and the great thing is I believe these guys are just now getting ready to play their best basketball."

Up next for the Warriors is the GSAC Men's Basketball Championship Tournament that will be held in our very own Warrior Arena March 7-9th. Entering the tournament in the No. 3 spot, the Warriors will face No. 6 Hope International on Thursday at 5 pm with the winning team advancing to the semi-finals on Friday at 5:00 pm.

"This team is special and is primed to make a big postseason push," said Von Vogt. "I encourage everyone to be here next Thursday, Friday and Saturday when we host the GSAC Tournament right here in Rocklin at Warrior Arena."  
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).