ATHERTON, Calif. – For the final time as GSAC rivals, the Warriors made their annual visit to Haynes-Prim Pavilion for a regular season tilt with the Menlo Oaks. With first place on the line nearing the midway point of the conference schedule, the Warriors dominated early, but a big run from the Oaks gave the home side a 75-70 victory.
Jessup, now 16-3 on the season, sees their GSAC record drop to 3-2. Menlo came into Saturday's game a perfect 4-0 in conference action, as they now sit at 5-0 at the top of the conference standings.
The Warriors led by as many as 22 points in the first half, as it looked to be a big win for Jessup to move into a tie for first place. Jessup's lead moved to 15 at the intermission, as they held Menlo to a 13-for-30 (.433) performance from the field in the opening 20 minutes.
But out of the break, things flipped.
Much like last Saturday's win in Fullerton, a big lead was lost. One week ago, it was the Warriors who battled back from a 17-point hole, as now they found themselves on the other end of a comeback. Menlo did so with a 28-4 run, as 17 of those points came unanswered. The Warriors went scoreless in the final six minutes of the third quarter as a 45-30 halftime advantage quickly turned into a 58-51 lead for the Oaks.
The Oaks were able to grab the lead thanks to a defensive adjustment, as Menlo went to a full-court press for the final 20 minutes. It was a similar ending to last Thursday against Vanguard, whose adjustment from man-to-man into a 2-3 zone proved to be enough to steal Jessup's momentum.
Jessup was led in the box score by
Andrea Jovicevic, who scored 14 points to pair with nine rebounds.
Amari Guiton matched her career-high with 13 points off the bench, 11 of which came in the first quarter.
Neomi Davidson and
Makaila Napoleon also finished in double-figures with 12 points each. The Warriors closed the game, shooting 41 percent from the field, equal to that of the Oaks. Jessup dominated the rebound battle 46-33.
The Warriors will hope that Saturday is not their final NAIA trip to Atherton, as the 2024 GSAC Women's Basketball Tournament will take place inside Menlo's Haynes-Prim Pavilion. Jessup will continue their annual trips to Atherton into next season as Menlo will be making the jump to NCAA Division II along with Jessup and Vanguard.
Now the Warriors get to go home, as Jessup's three-game road trip has come to a close. Ahead of Jessup is a visit from Life Pacific, who will be in Rocklin on Thursday, January 25.
The homestand continues with a visit from The Master's on January 27. Tickets for all remaining home dates are on sale
HERE.
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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).
