PHOENIX, Ariz. – The next test in Jessup's excellent preseason took place on Wednesday as the Warriors opened up the Cactus Classic against MidAmerica Nazarene. After an early deficit had Jessup trailing by double-digits, the Warriors were able to rely on the three-ball as they battled their way to an OT win.
Jessup, now winners of six straight, improved their record to 10-1 for the year. They will have two more tests in Arizona as the Cactus Classic rolls on tomorrow afternoon.
It was a slow start for the Warriors on Wednesday, as it took over five minutes for Jessup to connect on a field goal. The scoreless start came to a close when
Makaila Napoleon sunk a free throw, which was followed by a jumper on the next possession.
Through one in Phoenix, Jessup trailed MNU by double-digits at 18-8.
The second quarter saw Jessup chip away at the deficit as they cut within two on Napoleon's three with two seconds left in the half. The momentum extended into the third when guard
Andrea Jovicevic connected on a triple to knot the score at 36.
It would be another three-ball, this one from
Natalie Moulos with 1:49 left in the third, that gave Jessup their first lead of the game at 41-39.
Four quarters were not enough to decide a winner in Jessup's Cactus Classic opener, as a 55-55 draw sent the game into overtime. There, in the extra five minutes, Jessup continued to rely on their attack from distance as threes from Moulos and
Kayla Vieira gave Jessup a 61-55 advantage.
Field goals from Jovicevic and Moulos extended the lead to 65-58, forcing MNU to foul for the remainder of the period, leading to a 68-63 win for the Warriors.
Jovicevic once again led the Warriors in scoring as she dropped 24 points on 8-of-16 from the floor. The senior guard added 11 boards, securing her second double-double of the season.
Moulos ended the day with 11 points on 3-of-5 from distance, while
Makaila Glynn contributed 10 points in her first start of the season.
The Warriors will continue their Arizona excursion tomorrow when they take on Montana Tech at 3 p.m. The 2023 Cactus Classic is taking place on the campus of Chandler-Gilbert Community College in Phoenix.
Jessup will wrap up the Cactus Classic on Friday when they take on Montana State-Northern.
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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).
