ROCKLIN, Calif. – The Warriors have a flair for the dramatics, as on back-to-back nights, it came down to a stop on the final possession to seal victory. On the final night of the Bill Holtz Warrior Classic, Jessup stepped up as they knocked down Southern Oregon, 61-58, to sweep the weekend.
It was a short turnaround for the Warriors, who won in double overtime last night against MSU Northern. Head coach
Mark Darnall spoke about his team's athleticism and their ability to come back on little to no rest.
"I remember being a kid and knowing that I could go back-to-back nights. But I didn't have the level of athleticism these guys have. They've done a great job of taking care of themselves. We have a lot of games coming up, three more this week. So, we're going to be very cognizant of what we're doing with their bodies and challenging them to make sure they're putting good fuel in their system and eating well."
Conditioning was put to the test as the ballgame came down to the final possession. With the Warriors up by three, a late turnover allowed SOU to draw up a play with 17 seconds left that would force overtime. The Raiders got off two looks that clanked off the iron before a third attempt hit nothing but the net. But thankfully for Jessup, the horn had sounded before the shot got off.
There would be no repeat of 2022 as SOU hit a buzzer-beating three to force OT against Jessup in last season's Holtz Classic.
On his team's ability to play defense when it matters most, Darnall added, "These guys are buying in on the defensive end, and I just think we have a chance to be a really elite defensive group. Their resiliency to win these games has come from getting stops down the stretch."
The Warriors saw a big night out of newcomer
Aydan Janssan as the Australian dropped 13 points to pair with ten boards in his first Jessup double-double.
Anthony Enoh added 13 points, while
Myles Corey scored 10.
On Janssan's performance, Darnall added, "He's always been a good rebounder, so it was great to see him really attack the glass tonight. That's something we had talked about, and to see him consciously go and have success was super exciting."
There will be little rest before the Warriors again step on the court, as Monday night sees Darnall make his return to UC Davis. Darnall came to California with Davis head coach Jim Les, as Les carried him over on his staff after the two worked together at Bradley University. Darnall spoke highly of Les and how much he has meant to his coaching career.
"I'm not in college basketball if it's not for Jim Les. I just have an inanimate amount of respect for him and his career in the game of basketball. The mentorship he's given me and still gives me has given me the opportunity to do something that I love. So, I'm excited to go back there and have the opportunity to play a Division I opponent."
Monday's matchup at UC Davis is set for 6 p.m. Tickets will be free for the exhibition.
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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).
