ROCKLIN, Calif. – Jessup men's basketball Cayden McDaniel was honored as the PacWest Player of the Week for leading his team to 3-0.
The week of February 2nd-7th saw the Warriors men's basketball team compete and win three close conference battles. McDaniel was an integral part of Jessup's success as he averaged 23 points and six rebounds per game.
In Monday's double-overtime thriller at Westmont, the sophomore guard delivered a clutch 40 minute performance. From beyond the arc, McDaniel sank three triples and went 9-14 in field goals to lead Jessup with 27 points. At the charity stripe, he recorded a nearly perfect 6-7 attempts. With a minute left, McDaniel drained a massive three pointer which proved to be the decisive shot as the team took their first victory of the week, 96-95.
Back in Rocklin, the team looked to get back to a .500 record as they hosted the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds. The sophomore ended with a similar impressive stat line to his prior performance in Santa Barbara. McDaniel led his team yet again with 25 points, collected five boards and nailed three triples. At the free throw line, he went 10-13 and had four assists. Jessup increased their lead in the second half to defeat the Sunbirds, 81-73.
For the final game of the week against Azusa Pacific, the guard proved to be a key piece in the tight finish. He ended his night with 18 points, seven defensive rebounds and a steal. Two free throws from McDaniel with :15 seconds left in the meeting separated the Warriors from the Cougars in their final efforts. The PacWest Player of the Week's performance aided Jessup in the conference season sweep of Azusa Pacific, 81-79.
Head Coach Mark Darnall spoke about McDaniel's PacWest honor, "I am really happy for Cayden getting recognition after these three big wins this week. McDaniel's contributions were a big part of our team's success." He continued about the guard's versatility, "I thought he impacted the game in a lot more than just his scoring as averaged 6 rebounds and 2.5 assists."
In reflecting on these tight finishes Head Coach Darnall praised McDaniel's clutch play, "When he is on, making good shots and playing within our system he is as good as anyone in our conference." He finished, "His teammates trusted him and I thought he took advantage of the moments this week and got it going."
Jessup will take a trip over to Hawaii as the Warriors visit three PacWest opponents. Beginning with the University of Hawaii-Hilo on Thursday, February 12th at 9:00 PM. Following that game, the team will take on Chaminade and Hawaii Pacific before returning back to Rocklin for two final home matchups.
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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).
