REDDING, Calif. – Opening night did not go according to plan for Jessup 24 hours ago, but on Sunday, the No. 6 ranked Warriors got a chance to right the ship as they took on Simpson in Redding. The start was not ideal, but it's how you finish that matters, as Jessup hit a new gear to push their record to .500.
 
Simpson jumped out to a red-hot start, and it looked like a repeat of last night in Klamath Falls could be imminent, as the Red Hawks started on an 8-0 run. Simpson would lead for the entirety of Sunday's first 15 minutes until, finally, Jessup found its groove.
 
Head coach Lance Von Vogt touched on back-to-back slow starts, adding, "We're really trying to find our identity right now, and we were just playing a little disjointed, I would say. We've got some new guys, and we're not in the right spots and executing what we're trying to run, so it's been a struggle. This week we need to work on getting everyone on the same page."
 
The Warriors, backed by a 57-percent shooting performance in the first half, embarked on an 18-0 run over the final four minutes of the half, giving them a nine-point lead entering halftime.
 
Jessup's first lead of the night came on a layup from guard Cashemin Williams, as two of his 13 first-half points put the Warriors ahead 36-35.
 
The Jessup run ended at 20-0, as Simpson finally found the basket early in the second half, setting up a run of their own. Simpson went on a 16-6 run to draw within a point at 50-49.
 
Needing to stop the bleeding, Jessup turned to their All-American guard Williams as he converted on a three-point play to push the lead back to two possessions. Williams sank a three on Jessup's next possession, giving the Warriors the breathing room they needed. But no matter how much the Warriors threw at Simpson, the Red Hawks would not go away.
 
After Simpson tied things up at 60, the Warriors looked to Williams, who drained one of five 3-pointers, giving his side the lead again. This time, the lead would stick, as a corner three from Jahveon Medearis gave Jessup a six-point lead and sent the Warriors off and running.
 
Simpson would not be able to get within striking distance of the Warriors down the closing stretches, as Jessup held on for the 86-74 victory.
 
For the second night in a row, Williams led the Warriors in scoring, tying the program record for most points in a single game with 40 (Keith Phillips, 2018). Williams paired his record performance with eight assists, playing all 40 minutes.
 
"Cash is dynamic," said Von Vogt after hearing Williams had tied the scoring record. "It was an electric environment where, you know, the crowd was doing a great job of making a good college basketball environment. And he fed off the energy from the opposing crowd. I thought once he got cooking, it was, you know, he's tough to stop."
 
Ty Artis finished behind Williams with 15 points as the only other Jessup player in double-figures. Myles Corey and Nigel McKay each scored nine. Medearis closed with eight.
 
Von Vogt touched on the performance of his backup guards, Artis and Medearis, adding, "I believe that those two guards coming off the bench are starting quality guards, and they're proving it. I thought Ty played really well at OIT and then again tonight. I think Jahvy's growing into that as well and had some really good moments."
 
The Warriors now get four days off to prepare for their home opener Friday night against UC Merced. Friday will be Hoops for Heroes night.
 
Von Vogt spoke on Friday, adding, "We get a chance to honor our veterans that have sacrificed so much for us, raise some money and some awareness for them on Friday. So we can't wait to be a part of Hoops for Heroes."
 
 More information on the event can be found 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).