ROCKLIN, Calif. – Jessup women's basketball team (6-17, 4-13 PacWest) hosted the Azusa Pacific Cougars (17-5, 13-2 PacWest) for a Saturday afternoon PacWest matchup at Warrior Arena, 64-63.
The Warriors returned to Rocklin after a successful and historic Thursday night. Jessup not only defeated the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds 63-57, but Hailey Hoff broke a program record. The senior guard netted seven three-pointers and collected 25-points in the victory. Her seven made three-pointers set the new women's basketball program record as she now stands alone in the Warriors record books.
In their most recent appearance, Jessup welcomed Azusa Pacific for their second conference meeting of the season. In mid-January, the Warriors visited Azusa and fell to the Cougars, 89-64. However in Saturday's matchup, Jessup fought until the very last shot against the first place Cougars.
Only one point separated the two teams at the end of the first frame as the Cougars held a tight advantage, 17-16. In the second frame Azusa Pacific worked to extend their lead as the Warriors found themselves down six at halftime, 31-25.
Azusa would continue to increase their lead in the third going up by 13 heading into the final frame. The deficit did not discourage the home team as Jessup chipped away. In the final 2 minutes, the Warriors worked from ten points down to a single point. From a pair of made free-throws, Jessup was down one with :33 seconds left. In a final effort, Mirella Fernandes Boshnell was able to put the ball in the air for the win but just came out short. Jessup took the first place Azusa Pacific team to the final buzzer and ultimately fell, 64-63.
Offensively, Porter Wood led her team with 18 points and nearly recorded a double-double with nine rebounds. Lai Pala was second in scoring with ten points, three assists and four boards. Hailey Hoff was the only Warrior to record multiple triples as she provided eight points and two assists.
Head Coach Corey Laster commented after the close game, I am so proud of their effort tonight against the first place team in our league. They have grown a lot this season so far and this game is something we can build on in the future."
Jessup women's basketball will now begin a long road trip to the islands. Their first game in Hawaii will be against the University of Hawaii-Hilo on Thursday, February 12th. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 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).
