ROCKLIN, Calif. – For the final time, Jessup jump-started the GSAC season on Saturday as the OUAZ Spirit came to town. In front of one of the largest crowds in Warrior Arena history, Jessup gave their fans something to celebrate as the Warriors got the win, 66-59.
The win improves Jessup's win streak to five games as they move to 1-0 in the GSAC.
Thursday night was the first-ever Mikuni Night at Jessup. Joining the Warriors on the bench was Mikuni's Taro Arai, who donned a No. 25 uniform and even participated in warm-ups. The evening was filled with special games where lucky fans got to go home with Mikuni gear and gift cards.
On the court, Jessup saw four players finish the night in double-figures. Guard
Ty Artis once again led the way as he dropped 21 points on 7-of-17 from the floor.
Aydan Janssan (15),
Ja'Maris Blackmon (14), and
Myles Corey (14) all dropped double-digits as well.
Corey came into the night needing 43 points to match the all-time scoring record. He now sits 29 points away from Jessup's history.
Only one lead change occurred during the 40-minute contest, as OUAZ led just once, a one-point advantage with 13:02 remaining in regulation. Jessup saw their largest lead come in the first half as they rocketed out to a 15-point advantage seven minutes into the game.
The victory came after a 38.6 percent shooting performance out of the Warriors. From distance, Jessup posted just a 19 percent performance.
OUAZ was led by McKay Bundy, who dropped 17 points. The Spirit shot 34 percent from the floor on 20-of-59 shooting.
Up next comes an old foe of the Warriors, the Firestorm of Arizona Christian. ACU won their first GSAC game of the season on Thursday as they edged past Menlo College. The Firestorm come into the weekend ranked No. 10 in the nation.
History has not been on Jessup's side in this matchup. ACU has won the last 13 meetings against Jessup, dating back to February of 2018. Saturday will be the first meeting against ACU under coach
Mark Darnall.
Tip-off for Saturday's contest is scheduled for 1 p.m.
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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).
