ROCKLIN, Calif. – The sour taste of defeat lingered into Thursday as for the first time in 356 days, Jessup stepped on the court coming off back-to-back losses. Jessup needed a get-right game, and in town for this one was The Master's University Mustangs.
 
Jessup took care of business against the Mustangs back on January 8, winning that matchup 94-77. The Warriors were just two points off a déjà vu finish, winning Thursday by the final of 92-77.
 
Thursday leaves its mark in the history books as it pushes the Warriors to 25-4 overall, giving Jessup the most single-season victories in program history.
 
Head coach Lance Von Vogt spoke on the milestone after the game, stating, "We've been building the program for nine years now. And we keep raising the bar. And we've been really good in the past, and for this team to be able to come in here and raise the bar even more, shows the dedication and hard work that they put in."
 
The teams under Von Vogt to come before the 2021-22 Warriors have gone on to two National Tournament appearances and a GSAC Championship Game berth. The bar has definitely been set for the goals of this squad.
 
"This milestone is also a recognition of all the teams that have come before that have that have placed us in a position of building the foundation where we can be a top-five team in the country."
 
Jessup nearly set another record on the court, as they dished out 31 assists, one shy of the program record. Shooting 60-percent from the field, the Warriors put together one of their most efficient games of the season.
 
"31 assists shows that we're ready to share the ball, and now the ball is moving, and it's not sticking," said Von Vogt. "Any time you can get that type of ball movement and guys are ready to shoot on the catch, it makes it a lot easier, and we got a lot of guys that are willing to share the basketball."
 
Leading the Warriors in scoring was Tarren Storey-Way. The senior, playing in his second-to-last regular-season game with the Warriors, scored a career-high 32 points on 10-of-13 from the floor.
 
Two players who were recently added to the starting lineup, Jordan Adams and Tim Strijaous, also had great nights. Adams scored 17 on 6-of-7 from the field, while Strijaous dropped 11 to go with his team-high 9 rebounds.
 
Von Vogt said after the game that Jessup's new lineup is finally starting to gel. "It takes a little time when you lose a piece, like what we did, and we have to adjust and find a new combination and play a little bit different. And it took us a little bit of time to do that. So, it was nice to be back in Warrior Arena. And we shot it well tonight, which made it look better as well."
 
The Warriors have one game remaining in the regular season, and that is where their focus lies. Von Vogt remained adamant that attention can be put on the GSAC Tournament once the tournament actually starts. For right now, all eyes are on Saturday and Westmont College.
 
"We're not worried about next week. We're worried about Saturday and playing a game against a terrific Westmont squad. They haven't had luck on their side. But they're a fantastic team. They've lost a lot of close games at the buzzer, probably more than anybody in the country. They could have seven or eight more wins on their record."
 
Westmont does come into Saturday with a record of 14-13. In their previous meeting on January 6, Jessup was victorious 76-71.
 
"We're looking at them as like a 25 win team because that's what they're capable of. That's what their talent level is. And it's going to take every bit of our focus and attention to be able to get a one-day prep in and be prepared for a team like Westmont on Saturday.
 
Game time for Saturday's regular-season finale is scheduled for 2 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).