KINGSPORT, Tenn. – 'The Show' has begun, as the Warriors took on the Saint Francis Cougars Saturday afternoon in the NAIA's 'The Show' Classic. Competing in Tennessee along with many of the programs that will look to make up the 2023 National Tournament field, the Warriors finished on the wrong foot Saturday as they dropped this one 77-65.
 
"Give Saint Francis credit for staying in character and playing their game for 40 minutes," head coach Lance Von Vogt said after the game. "We got a good lead in the second half by being disciplined, and then we went away from it. And then we didn't continue to play together. And (Saint Francis) exploited that. I thought Saint Francis played 40 minutes, and that's why they came out on top.'
 
The lead Von Vogt is referring to is a 12-point advantage, Jessup's largest of the day, coming with 16 minutes remaining in regulation. Jessup could not sustain that lead, as the Cougars ended the game on a commanding 37-14 run.
 
"We made mistakes, and we had an opportunity in the second half to put them away," added Von Vogt. "We didn't do what we needed to do to put them away, and credit Saint Francis for doing what they needed to do to not only come back but win the game."
 
The Warriors were led by four players in double-figures on Saturday. Cashemin Williams led the way with 14 points, doing so on 5-of-16 from the floor. Jayden DeJoseph closed with 13 while knocking down three triples. Charlie Garrison (11) and Myles Corey (10) also finished with double-digits in the scoring column.
 
Saint Francis won the battle down low on Saturday, outrebounding Jessup by five. Von Vogt pointed to this as an area the Warriors need to improve.
 
"We need to win the rebounding battle," added Von Vogt. "They edged us out there. We need to win the turnover battle, and I think they edged us out on that. Those are areas that we can control. We had a size advantage today. And, you know, I knew that we needed to control the boards. We didn't do that."
 
Jessup will continue 'The Show' tomorrow when they take on No. 5 ranked Jamestown University. The Jimmies reached the NAIA Round of 16 last season, ending their season to eventual runner-up Talladega. It will be the first meeting all-time between Jessup and Jamestown.
 
Von Vogt was asked about the experience Jessup is getting playing top-tier opponents and if it can help the team learn moving forward. "There is no silver lining in losing, but it is an education. Our guys need to know that there's a certain way that we need to play basketball in order to win games against good teams. And if we haven't learned that lesson yet, we better learn it fast because tomorrow we play the number five team in the country in Jamestown."
 
Sunday's game time will be an early one for fans in California, as tip-off is scheduled for 8 a.m. (PST).
 
The Warriors will be back home in Rocklin next week when they welcome Vanguard and Life Pacific to Horton Court. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time 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).