ROCKLIN, Calif. – With two wins under their belt last week and a new spot in the NAIA Coaches' Poll, the Warriors returned to action Thursday, playing host to Life Pacific. In a night that was about more than basketball, Jessup put on a show for those in attendance, cruising to a 94-65 victory.
 
The win pushes Jessup to 22-2 overall, tying them with Oklahoma Wesleyan for the most wins currently in the NAIA. At 10-2 in the GSAC, the Warriors hold a one-game lead over Arizona Christian (9-3) and Hope International (9-3).
 
It was an overall efficient night by the home squad, as the Warriors shot 52-percent from the floor and committed 12 turnovers to LPU's 15.
 
"I'm very happy with the way that we came in focused and executed the night very efficiently," said head coach Lance Von Vogt. "The second half especially, I thought that we did a great job. We reduced our turnovers, and we shot the good ones and passed up on the bad ones. Then we played better defensively. So, I thought that all around this was a good win."
 
Point guard Cashemin Williams was at the forefront of the efficiency, committing just one turnover in his 27 minutes. Williams finished as Jessup's leader in points (17), rebounds (7), and assists (6).
 
"We play hard together. And we're just trying to win games," said Williams after the game. "We're all just, like, trying to see the big picture basically… it's fun out there just playing with my teammates. They make it easier on me to be on."
 
The Warriors put on a highlight display in Thursday's victory, with second-half slams by Myles Corey and Tim Strijaous erupting the crowd inside Warrior Arena. Corey's came on a fast break, as his brother Malik Corey set him up with the alley-oop.
 
"We have a great connection, and we always like playing with each other growing up, so, like, it's always fun playing with your family," said Myles.
 
The opening half Thursday was a close affair early on, with Jessup narrowly leading 19-18 at the midway point. Some separation came late in the half, as the Warriors were able to space their advantage to 47-37 at the break.
 
While the Warriors did start just 1-of-5 from the field in the second, Jessup finally began to click as they embarked on a 24-4 run that saw their lead reach 71-47.
 
A total of 13 Warriors saw playing time Thursday, all of which recorded at least four minutes of action. Of those 13, 11 scored at least one point.
 
Four Warriors joined Williams in double-figures. Strijaous and Corey closed the night with 14 apiece. Nathan Kasongo came off the bench and dropped 13. Jordan Adams also had a 12-point night in a reserve role.
 
Thursday night hit a personal note for Von Vogt, as the Jessup coaching staff took part in Coaches vs. Cancer, an annual event to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
 
"This is a special night for me personally, as my mom has overcome cancer on two occasions," said Von Vogt. "She's still with me. She went through it over 25 years ago when I was in college, and she is healthy and doing well and has survived. So I'm appreciative of the doctors, the medicine, the treatments, and the initiative by the National Association of Basketball Coaches to do Coaches vs. Cancer every year."
 
The Warriors now have to shift focus to a team that owns one of Jessup's two losses, Vanguard. The Lions will be in town this Saturday, but back on November 18, it was Vanguard who took home an 86-73 victory.
 
The 2 p.m. tip with the Lions will be the middle contest of a three-game homestand. The Warriors will host Menlo College next Saturday.
   
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).