ROCKLIN, Calif. - It took more than 40 minutes to decide Thursday's PacWest Conference opener between Jessup and #4 Point Loma, as the visiting Sea Lions emerged victorious, 89-87 in overtime.
In a wild sequence, Jessup junior guard Varick Lewis hit a triple with three seconds remaining that gave the Warriors an 87-86 lead. After an inbound pass to the frontcourt, the Sea Lions called a timeout to set up their offense with 2.5 seconds remaining. The inbound went to Andrew Nagy, who kicked it back out up top to Jake Lifgren, who made the game-winner.
The Warriors held the lead for nearly all of regulation—36:42, specifically. With under 30 seconds remaining in the second half, Lewis stole a pass and threw down a dunk to take a 77-71 lead. That was when everything changed as Tyce Paulsen pulled a "Reggie Miller," hitting a triple before stealing the inbounds pass and hitting another three to tie it at 77.
Jessup did a great job of limiting the Sea Lions' production from outside the arc; Point Loma was just two-for-nine in the first half, but they continued to heat up as the game progressed and finished 36% from three. The Warriors shot 48.5%from the field but struggled from the free throw line, making just 15 of 27 shots. Junior forward Aleksander Mitrovic led the way with 16 points while Cayden McDaniel came off the bench and scored 15. Jaden Matingou totaled 25 for Point Loma, leading all scorers, while Paulsen had 24.
The Warriors will look to get back in the win column on Saturday when they face Biola. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.
Jessup will also be hosting a Toy Drive on Saturday presetned by Feed Sacramento Homeless where all toys will go to children in need this holiday season.Â
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Jessup University is a member of the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division II and the PacWest Conference. 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 (Instagram & X).
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