ROCKLIN, Calif. – It was evident hours before game time the Warriors were ready to take the floor on Saturday. With nearly three months to stew on one of their only two losses, the Warriors got their redemption on Saturday, taking down the Vanguard Lions by a final of 106-84.
 
"As a group, I told the guys last night in a text message after we got home that our practice yesterday was live," said head coach Lance Von Vogt on his team's mindset entering Saturday. "It had a lot of energy. They were into the details of the game, and then I thought that we came out today, and we executed those details very well."
 
"Our guys know that they believe in the system and what we do and, they believe in each other, and that really allowed us to go out there have a great performance against a very good Vanguard squad. And Vanguard proved that down there at their place. For us to be able to come back and hold our home court at our place. This was a big win for us."
 
The win pushes the Warriors to 23-2 overall on the season. At the time of completion, the Warriors have the most wins in the NAIA. Oklahoma Wesleyan will look for win number 23 tonight.
 
Jessup's scoring outburst was paced by elite guard play from Cashemin Williams and Myles Corey. Corey led the scoring with 26 points on 7-of-14 from the floor. Williams closed right behind him, scoring 22, including a 17-point performance in the opening half.
 
It's the second time this season the Warriors have eclipsed 100 points, and at 106, it finishes as the seventh most in program history.
 
The first ten minutes of basketball were a neck-and-neck affair, with the Warriors and Lions trading basket-for-basket. Vanguard jumped out fast to a 7-2 lead early, but the two sides evened out, eventually leading to a 22-21 Jessup advantage.
 
Jessup began to gain separation thanks to an 8-0 run that pushed the lead to nine. The advantage eventually reached 17, as Jaylen Johnson's layup in the final minute of the half had the Warriors ahead 52-34.
 
The second half saw the Warriors continue to jump on the Lions as the lead reached 20 on a thunderous dunk from Tim Strijaous. It's becoming a theme in Jessup Basketball, as just a few moments later, Warrior Arena was on its feet as Corey finished off a jam of his own.
 
With 10:20 remaining in regulation, Nathan Kasongo nailed a three to put the Warriors ahead by 30.
 
Thanks to free throws and a late rhythm from distance, the Lions were able to claw back within 20, but the final advantage would be 22 as Jordan Adams converted a three-point play in the closing minute.
 
The Warriors continue to hold the lead in the GSAC, now one game over Arizona Christian. Jessup lost to the Firestorm on January 15, but they get another shot at them on February 10.
 
But first, the Warriors have to take care of business next week against Menlo College. Jessup gets some extra rest in the upcoming days, as they play only one game next week.
 
"It's beneficial moving forward," said Von Vogt on the upcoming rest. "At this point in the season, everybody's managing injuries, and they're working hard. I think we're in good shape, but I do believe that this next week is going to allow us to recalibrate and then get prepared for the stretch run. We've got, I believe, five games left and conference and they're all against fantastic squads. It's going to be a challenge every time out, and we're going to need every bit of energy and health for us to be able to make it through this last stretch."
 
Jessup defeated Menlo 85-75 back on December 11. Next week's contest is scheduled for Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
   
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).