CALDWELL, Idaho – For the fifth time in program history, the Warriors began their hunt for a national championship as the NAIA Opening Round tipped off Friday. Looking to make history as the first 16 seed to win an NAIA Tournament game, Jessup unfortunately saw their season end at the hands of the College of Idaho Yotes, 104-73.
Friday's loss brings to an end Jessup's run in the NAIA, which began in 2004. In 20 years of NAIA basketball, the Warriors totaled a record of 322-273.
The Yotes, the defending NAIA National Champions, advance to take on Cornerstone tomorrow with a chance to continue their season in Kansas City.
Guard
Myles Corey, Jessup's all-time leading scorer, wrapped up what is presumably his final game with the Warriors by scoring eight points. Senior guard
Ty Artis ends his Jessup career with 16 points on 7-of-15 from the floor.
Others in double figures included
Ja'Maris Blackmon (15) and
Xavier Lovelace (14). Friday was also the final game of Lovelace's collegiate career.
The Yotes shot the lights out on Friday as they connected on 58 percent from the field. COI was dominant from inside and outside of the arc, as they made 19-of-36 (.528) of their 3-pointers.
Tyler Robinett led the Yotes with 29 points, while Dougie Peoples contributed 22 off the bench.
Jessup sees their final NAIA season end with a record of 18-12. It also ends the first season of coach
Mark Darnall's head coaching career. Darnall took the position last summer after Jessup's all-time wins leader,
Lance Von Vogt, announced he was stepping down after ten seasons on the bench.
It was the fifth time in program history for the Warriors to qualify for the NAIA National Tournament. Jessup leaves the NAIA with a national tournament record of 4-5.
Next for the Warriors is the start of a new era, as Jessup will play their next contest as members of NCAA Division II and the PacWest Conference.
***
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).
