RENO, Nev. - After a last-minute addition to the schedule, the Warriors were once again on the court against a Division I opponent, making the short trek to Reno for a game against the University of Nevada.
 
A lack of time to prepare was not a problem for Jessup, as they played one of their best all-around games thus far. The Warriors battled for 40-minutes with the Wolfpack, but in the end, Nevada secured the victory by the final of 86-64.
 
"This was the most complete game that we've had as far as a 40-minute deal," said head coach Lance Von Vogt postgame. "It was against a terrific Nevada team that's coached by one of the better coaches in the country Steve Alford."
 
Battling back from runs has become a trend for the Warriors, after a 9-0 run to start the game, Jessup would counter with a 12-3 run of their own to even the score at 12-12. Senior Erik Kinnebrew, making his first on-court appearance of the year, drained two 3-pointers early to give Jessup some momentum.
 
"Erik is extremely talented," added Von Vogt on Kinnebrew. "When he approaches the game with toughness like he did today, he can be such an attribute because he's skilled, he shoots, and he can rebound. He has the ability to do a lot of things on the floor."
 
Shooting from distance seemed to be the offensive game plan for Jessup in Monday's first half. Of the Warriors' 33 opening-half shots, 21 were attempted from beyond the arc.
 
"The rim is not as available against teams with that kind of size," added Von Vogt, saying that Nevada's height dictated Jessup's shot choices. "It wasn't so much the game plan as it was our guys were reading what was available.
 
"At the end of the day, as long as we're choosing the right shots and we're executing the offense, we're going to live with the results and let the results play out for themselves."
 
After Nevada pulled ahead to a double-digit advantage, Jessup again clawed their way back, with a Jaylen Johnson 3-pointer putting the Warriors down just four with two minutes to play. A 7-2 run to end the half had Jessup entering the locker room down nine.
 
Nevada charged out of out the gates in the second half, holding Jessup to just two points in the first six minutes. With the Wolfpack holding a 19-point advantage, the Warriors went on a 9-2 run capped off by a Jayden DeJoseph three-point-play.
 
The 9-2 run was Jessup's final major attack of the game, as the two-sides played fairly even basketball over the last ten minutes, with Nevada out scoring Jessup 26-23.
 
A trio of players finished in double-figures for the Warriors. On Monday, it was DeJoseph and freshman Myles Corey leading the way with 14 points apiece. Junior Tim Strijaous had another solid day, finishing with 12 points and four rebounds.
 
The Warriors changed their starting lineup, giving 6-8 junior forward Matthew Schmidt the nod. It worked, as Schmidt led all players with eight rebounds. Jessup outrebounded Nevada, 33-32.
 
"From day one, I've been saying this is the toughest team I've coached, and this team continues to prove that," added Von Vogt. "They're mentally tough, they're physically tough, they're willing to do the dirty work, and that's what gives us a chance to be very successful down the road."
 
Nevada's Grant Sherfield led all players Monday with 20 points. Warren Washington scored 18 for the Wolfpack, as only two players finished in double-figures.
 
The same as the four previously played by Jessup, Monday's game was marked as an exhibition. The Warriors will not play an official game as it stands until next Tuesday when they host the College of Idaho.
 
The schedule rolls forward for Jessup with yet another newly scheduled game. Made official just before tip-off Monday, the Warriors will be in Riverside on Wednesday to take on California Baptist University. Game time is TBA.
   
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).