KANSAS CITY, MO. – There is still a little magic left in the tank for the Warriors, who entered their second Round of 16 appearance on Thursday. Backed by a lights-out shooting performance, the season continues into the weekend after an 88-84 victory over the Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats.
It's deepest postseason run in program history, as Jessup advances to the NAIA Quarterfinals after winning their program-record 30th game.
"This is just an absolute special group of guys that are willing to do whatever it takes to be successful," said head coach Lance Von Vogt after the game. "They play together. They play hard. They play smart. They have fun while they're out there. It's a blessing to coach them. And I'm super proud to see what we've accomplished so far."
The Warriors were paced by prolific shooting from long range by Tarren Storey-Way and Jordan Adams. The duo combined for eight triples in the first half as Jessup led 53-32 at the break.
Jessup jumped out to a 22-6 lead to start the game as they connected on 3-pointers for five of their first seven baskets from the field. The lead eventually jumped as high as 25 on one of five three-balls that Adams connected on Thursday night.
It seemed easy to start planning for Saturday's game at halftime, but basketball is a 40-minute affair.
IWU came out red hot to start the second half, backed by Dan Largey, who scored 13 on the Wildcats' 16-0 run. Baskets from Tim Strijaous and Charlie Garrison ended the run with 14:30 to go in the game.
"I believe that basketball is a game of runs, and you have to give Indiana Wesleyan a lot of credit," added Von Vogt. "Largey came out in the second half hitting on all cylinders and really kind of powered them and made it a game. So we had to respond."
A three from Myles Corey pushed Jessup's lead back over 20 with just over seven minutes remaining. The Warriors connected on 16-of-30 from beyond the arc.
On the shooting performance, Von Vogt added, "It was nice to see that practice pay off in a big moment. And our guys don't shy away from the big moment. We kind of thrive in that moment. And we believe that we put in the work so that we can perform in those moments."
But again, this IWU team would not go away. The Wildcats made a push late in the game, cutting the score to single-digits on Griffin Kliewer's three with 1:20 to go. Four missed WJU free throws, and two turnovers later, it was just a three-point game.
The IWU run would not be enough as the Warriors closed with three made free throws, icing the game and continuing the season.
Cashemin Williams again led Jessup in scoring as he dropped 23 to pair with 9 assists. Storey-Way closed with a double-double, scoring 17 while pulling down 10 boards. Strijaous led the rebounding with 12.
Adams and Corey each scored 15.
So now it's on to the next one, and on the schedule is a very familiar face in that of GSAC foe Arizona Christian. The Firestorm won their Round of 16 matchup earlier Thursday against Bethel (Kan.).
"Arizona Christians have had our number over the last couple of years, and they're a great program," added Von Vogt. "We're confident we can turn the tide on Saturday and figure out that puzzle. I know one thing, it will give everything we've got to see if we can find a way to win that game on Saturday."
The winner of Saturday's matchup moves onto the Fab Four Monday evening. Saturday's game is scheduled for 11 a.m. (PT).
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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).
