ROCKLIN, Calif. – Keeping with the trend of Jessup taking on Southern Oregon, Women's Basketball got their shot at the Raiders on Saturday as SOU paid a visit to Horton Court. With the game all square entering the closing seconds, a prayer was answered as Jessup won in thrilling fashion.
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Andrea Jovicevic, who led the Warriors with 21 points, was the one to fire up the prayer as she heaved up a contested three with three seconds on the clock. The ball floated for two seconds before dropping into the bucket with 1.1 on the clock, sending the fans of Warrior Arena into a frenzy.
It was one of three triples knocked down by Jovicevic, who went 9-for-16 from the floor across 34 minutes of action. She also contributed on the defensive end with three steals.
Jovicevic broke down the three after the game with the voice of the Warriors, Dave Rosenthal. She stated, "I was not shooting the best from the three-point line the whole game. But my coach believed in me, and he said to keep shooting. So, I just kept the faith. I kept believing in God and my teammates."
Southern Oregon would have a chance to tie the game following a timeout, but the equalizer wouldn't make it to the basket, moving Jessup to 5-0 on their home floor.
"We were very focused on getting stops," added Jovicevic. "That was the main focus. And when you play hard, when you fight, God rewards you."
The Warriors shot 41 percent from the floor, five percent better than SOU. Jessup also forced SOU to commit 20 turnovers. The Raiders would have the advantage on the glass as SOU outrebounded Jessup 37-29.
Jovicevic was asked about forcing so many turnovers. She credited her coaching staff, who have made it a focus in practice, adding, "Coach will make us do it over and over again until it's right."
Makaila Napoleon was the other Jessup player to score in double-figures as she dropped ten points to pair with five assists.
Jessup came into the game 6-1 overall, the same record as the Raiders, and now they leave 7-1 following their first victory against a ranked opponent. SOU came into Saturday sitting at No. 21 in the nation. The next NAIA Coaches' Poll comes out on Wednesday.
Now, the Warriors will look to improve to 6-0 at home as they take on Cal Maritime on Tuesday. It will be a homecoming for one of the Keelhaulers, as CMA is led by former Jessup assistant Imhotet Ari Amen-Ra.
Jessup will also be home next Saturday against UC Merced. Tickets for the Warriors' final two home games of 2023 are on sale
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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).
