ROCKLIN, Calif. - The Warriors welcomed the GSAC Men's Basketball Tournament to home court on Thursday night tipping off against Hope International to start the five-game matchup for the conference. Jessup was out to a slow start but found their groove in the second half to defeat the Royals 91-82 to advance to the semifinals on Friday at 5 pm,facing Vanguard University.

"In a tournament, you have to survive and advance and this is what we did tonight," head coach Lance Von Vogt commented.

The Royals would hold the spark in the first half of the opening half maintaining the lead before the Warriors tied it up with 11 minutes remaining. But a 14-4 run would favor the visiting Royals as the Warriors had to battle their way back down the stretch with just 7 minutes remaining.

The roles would reverse as the Warriors went on an 11-2 run, edging their way back to take the lead into the break, 35-33. 

Top performer Isaiah Milan would start the second half with a shot from the beyond the arc, sparking his 19-point half to finish the game with 25 points. 

Midway through the final 20-minutes of play, the Warriors would take their first 10-point lead of the game (57-47) and would ride that double-digit lead through the final minute of play. The Royals would attempt a comeback but would fall short as the Warriors sank 9-of-10 free throws down the stretch.

"I liked the way we were in character tonight," said Von Vogt. "It was a methodical win with the exception of the wild final 3 minutes of the game."

Leading the Warriors in double figures was recently announced GSAC Player of the Year Keith Phillips with 27 points and 9 rebounds. Milan followed with his second-highest points scored this season (25). Also contributing double digits was Tyras Rattler Jr. (18) and Darrell Polee (11).

Von Vogt was pleased with the team's performance to open the tournament, "All of the guys contributed to the win and had their moments which is why we were successful tonight. We have a lot to improve on before tomorrow nights game, but I am happy with the result of tonight's game. "

The Warriors will tip-off day two of the tournament with the first semifinal game starting at 5 pm Friday as they face the No. 2 seed, Vanguard 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).