GLENDALE, Ariz. – In game two of the Warriors' back-to-back contests with Arizona Christian, Jessup lost a nail-biter 65-62. The Warriors started slow, but with aggressive defense, they clawed their way back. Despite holding the lead for the majority of the second half, the Warriors dropped the game as their record moves to 4-7 (1-1 GSAC).
 
After the game, Head Coach Hernando Planells stressed the importance of starting and ending the game on a strong note. "I think starting and finishing strong is extremely important. We emphasize the first and last five minutes of games must be executed well." He added, "We just have to understand and execute that better so we can finish stronger as time goes on."
 
Jessup had their work cut out for them only a matter of minutes into the first quarter, as they trailed 13-4. Victoria Delacroix was able to help stop the bleeding and ignite the offense with a corner three and stout defense had the Warriors on the comeback trail. After the first ten minutes, the Warriors were down 22-16.
 
The intensity began to pick up in the second quarter as the Warriors went on a 16-3 scoring run to take the lead 32-25. However, the Firestorm went on a run of their own as they claimed a one-point lead, 35-34 at the half.
 
The lead changed three times in the third quarter but after a Miranda Zaragoza bucket down in the post, the Warriors got a jolt of momentum. Entering the final frame, the Warriors were up on the Firestorm 51-49. During the fourth quarter, the Warriors held the lead until the final minute as the Firestorm made key free throws down to stretch to seal the deal, 65-62.
 
Senior Miranda Zaragoza led the team in scoring with 17 points and she recorded another double-double on the season as she nabbed ten rebounds as well. Planells loves the growth he sees from Zaragoza as he said, "She is getting tons of attention defensively and she is still able to perform well."
 
The Warriors will return home for another matchup with Simpson University on Wednesday, January 20 at 2 p.m., the game can be streamed HERE.
   
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).