ROCKLIN, Calif. – Jessup men's basketball team (12-11, 9-8 PacWest) won a huge game against the Azusa Pacific Cougars (6-14, 4-11 PacWest) on Saturday night, 81-79.
In their second game at Warrior Arena in three days, Jessup welcomed Azusa Pacific for their second match against each other this season. At Azusa on January 10th, Jessup defeated the Cougars by seven as four Warriors found double-digit points. It was a similar night for the home team as the scoring was heavily shared across the lineup.
The afternoon began as a heavyweight slugfest. Neither side could find much breathing room, but Jessup's Troy Crighton and Varick Lewis provided a spark mid-way through the first half. With the Warriors ahead, Crighton showcased his defensive instincts by stealing the ball away from a Cougar pass attempt and assisted Lewis for a fast break layup.
Near the end of the first half, Azusa Pacific worked their way back into the lead. Jessup reclaimed the edge as the buzzer rang for a final second layup from Cayden McDaniel. The Warriors regained the lead to begin the second half but were unable to put it away. Azusa Pacific took an eight point lead with seven minutes left on the scoreboard. An Andre Norris three-pointer put the team within four and swung the momentum. With the game tied, a layup from Aleksandar Mitrovic put his team up for good. The Cougars edged closer in the end with an opportunity to win it. A final shot as the buzzer rang, a shot from Azusa Pacific rattled around the rim but eventually missed as the Warriors snuck away with a drama-filled victory, 81-79.
Norris led both teams in scoring with his 25 point night as he also recorded five rebounds and two assists. McDaniel was behind him with 18 points, seven rebounds and an assist. Mitrovic was the third Warriors to score double-digits with 14 points, five rebounds and one assist. With the win, Jessup improves to 12-11 overall and 9-8 in PacWest play, keeping them firmly in the hunt for a postseason berth.
Jessup men's basketball will fly to the islands to take on three PacWest Hawaii teams. Their first game in Hawaii will be against the University of Hawaii-Hilo on Thursday, February 12th. Tipoff is scheduled for 9:00 PM (PST)
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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).
