ROCKLIN, Calif. – The Warriors were back home on Thursday, taking on one of the top dogs in the GSAC, the (RV) Hope International Royals. In a game that went down to the final seconds, the buzzer-beating basket is one sealed the deal in a dramatic one-point victory for the Warriors.
With the ball in their hands and 12 seconds showing on the clock, Jessup had one chance to push the ball down the court and set up a game-winning play. Trailing by one,
Maila Lepolo drove to the basket and missed on a close-range attempt.
But there was
Natalie Moulos with the rebound.
Moulos fired up one final attempt that connected, sending the Jessup bench into a frenzy as they had secured a 58-57 victory.
The win, Jessup's 11th all-time against the Royals, is a vindication moment for the program. Hope International not only swept the Warriors last season, but they also ended Jessup's campaign in the GSAC Tournament.
Coming up big in this one was
Kayla Vieira, whose double-double of 17 points and 14 rebounds led the way. Vieira was dominant in the first half, pulling down ten boards by the time the halftime buzzer sounded.
Also scoring in double-digits was
Andrea Jovicevic with 13.
The Warriors move to 11-8 overall on the season with the victory. Jessup remains in the thick of things within the GSAC as they sit 6-4 in conference with eight games to go.
Jessup will be home on Saturday as they host San Diego Christian at noon. There are just three remaining home games on the calendar, as the Warriors play five of their final eight contests on the road.
The final home series comes on February 9 and 11 when the two Arizona schools visit Rocklin.
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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 Jessup University. Follow Jessup Athletics on social media: Jessup University Athletics (Facebook) and @JessupAthletics (Twitter & Instagram).
