ROCKLIN, Calif. – Jessup University men's basketball team (15-13, 12-10 PacWest) sent their graduating class out in style, securing a decisive victory over Chaminade University (13-15, 11-11 PacWest) on Saturday afternoon, 93-80.
On an emotional Senior Day inside Warrior Arena, men's basketball recognized their graduating class as family, friends and the team presented them gifts for their years of dedication to Jessup. Prior to tip-off, the Warriors honored four pillars of the program: #1 Andre Norris, #2 Troy Crighton, #4 Tamatoa Humbert, and Aydan Janssan.
Once the game began, the veteran presence was felt immediately. Jessup wasted no time establishing dominance, exploding for 51 points in the first half. The Warriors' offense was humming, shooting a blistering 41% from beyond the arc in the opening period to take a 21-point lead into the locker room, 51-30.
The seniors made sure to leave a lasting mark on the box score. Andre Norris was a steady force, contributing 12 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Troy Crighton acted as the primary facilitator, dishing out a team-high seven assists to go along with five rebounds. Tamatoa Humbert provided a spark off the bench, perfect from inside the arc and finishing with seven points and four rebounds in just 14 minutes of action.
Leading the scoring charge for the Warriors was Cayden McDaniel, who put together a monster double-double. McDaniel poured in 22 points and hauled down 12 rebounds, while also disrupting the Silverswords on the defensive end with five steals. Aleksandar Mitrovic was equally efficient, nearly perfect from the floor (9-of-11) to finish with 19 points and two blocks.
Chaminade attempted to claw back in the second half, outscoring Jessup 50-42. However, the Warriors' interior dominance proved too much to overcome. Jessup outscored Chaminade 52-36 in the paint and controlled the glass with a 46-32 rebounding advantage.
Every time the Silverswords threatened to cut the lead to single digits, the Warriors had an answer. A late dunk by Mitrovic and clutch free-throw shooting from Norris and McDaniel in the closing minutes slammed the door shut, ensuring the seniors walked off their home floor as winners.
The underclassmen also rose to the occasion for their veterans. Tom Parsons provided a major lift with 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting, while Wyatt Studer and Curro Segura combined for 13 points to keep the offense rolling.
Head Coach Mark Darnall expressed appreciation for his departing seniors, "Andre, Tam, Troy and Aydan helped push this program forward in year two of the NCAA Division II transition. It was another step forward and hopefully our returners can build on their example going into next season."
With the victory, Jessup finishes the regular season on a high note and awaits possible postseason contention.
