SAN RAFAEL, Calif. – Jessup University Men's Basketball (4-5, 2-2 PacWest) continued their momentum on the road Thursday afternoon, outlasting Dominican University of California (6-3, 1-2 PacWest) in a nail-biter at the Conlan Center, 77-75.
Behind a career-high performance from freshman Tom Parsons and a relentless defensive effort, the Warriors secured back-to-back conference wins in the Bay Area.
The Warriors established their rhythm early, utilizing a stifling defense to keep the Penguins off balance. Jessup's active hands led to 12 steals on the day, with Andre Norris (5) and Curro Segura (4) leading the charge. By the halftime whistle, the Warriors held a nine-point advantage, leading 35-26, thanks to a balanced attack and high-energy play from the second unit.
However, the second half saw the Penguins come alive on their home floor. Dominican chipped away at the deficit, eventually tying the game at 65-65 with under five minutes remaining. In the high-pressure closing minutes, the Warriors relied on their composure at the free-throw line and key buckets from the bench to stay ahead.
Tom Parsons was the story of the game for Jessup. Coming off the bench, the freshman forward exploded for a career-high 20 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including two critical triples. Parsons also added four rebounds and a steal in 20 minutes of action.
Andre Norris once again proved why he is a dual-threat for the Warriors, finishing with 13 points and five steals. Norris was a force at the charity stripe, knocking down 7-of-8 free throws. Cayden McDaniel joined him in double figures with 12 points, including several clutch free throws down the stretch to ice the game.
The Warrior bench was a statistical juggernaut, outscoring the Dominican reserves 42-21. Jessup also dominated the interior, tallying 40 points in the paint and out-running the Penguins with 19 fast-break points.
Other notable contributors included Tamatoa Humbert, who provided 8 points and 3 rebounds, and Curro Segura, whose 4 steals and 6 points were vital in disrupting the Penguins' offensive sets. Troy Crighton orchestrated the floor efficiently, dishing out a team-high four assists.
Jessup shot 42.4% from the field and proved resilient at the line, making 23 free throws. The win moves the Warriors to .500 in PacWest play as they return home for three consecutive contests.
Head Coach Mark Darnall praised his team's toughness in close games, "As a group we showed some big-time resiliency tonight and I am really appreciative of the depth of this team". Darnall continued, "Dominican is a really good team, so I am very proud of my group's effort to finish a road sweep and get back to Jessup for one more game before the Christmas break."
The Warriors will look to continue their momentum as they return home to Warrior Arena this Saturday, December 20, to host Pacific Union College. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 PM. Fans can purchase tickets online at jessupathletics.com/tickets.
