Warriors Win CalPac Championship

The William Jessup University men's basketball team found themselves in familiar territory, as they took on Menlo College in the California Pacific Conference Tournament Championship game. The Warriors were making their third straight appearance in the championship game. Menlo College spoiled the Warriors effort two years ago and CSU-East Bay last year. In a nail biting game that featured 11 ties and 12 lead changes, the Warriors took control in the last minute of the game to secure an 83-76 victory in front of a packed house in the Warrior Dome.

The Warriors jumped out to an early 6-0 burst to start the game. However, Menlo responded with a 7-2 run. The Oaks eventually took a 15-14 lead, but sophomore sharp shooter Austin Nelson hit a three pointer to put the Warriors back on top. Jessup took the largest lead of the game at 33-25 on a Damal Neil three-point play with 2:41 left in the first half. Once again, the Oaks would respond. The Oaks finished the half on an 11-3 run to tie the score 36-36 at the half.

"We played great for most of the half, but had some lapses to close out the half," said head coach Aaron Muhic. "We build a nice lead and then we started to make silly fouls, which allowed them to get to the free throw line."

Jessup would start the second half strong again. The Warriors would take a 46-42 lead four minutes into the action. However, Menlo would answer back as they went on an 8-0 to take a 50-46 lead. The Oaks would stretch their lead to 53-47 on a Dejon Grant three point shot. Then, it was the Warriors turn to answer back as they tied the game up at 59-59 with 9 minutes to go. The action was intense and tight all the way down the stretch. The eleventh tie came at 75-75 with 2 minutes and 30 seconds left in the game. The Warrior's Damal Neil was fouled on the next play and calmly knocked down two free throws to give the Warriors the lead for good. The Warriors defense tightened up and they hit clutch free throws to seal the victory.

Jessup shot 53.8 percent from the field (nearly 59 percent after halftime) and 41.2 percent from beyond the three point line. Kirsten made 7-of-8 shots for 21 points, while Neil was the same from the field for 20 points and seven rebounds. Senior Jason Washington and junior Eleazar Jones scored 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Junior Julian Harris led Menlo with 19 points, while senior Tim Kees stepped up in his final game as an Oak to tally 18 on 7-of-13 shooting. Grant came off the bench to net 16 points in 24 minutes.

"First, I have to thank the Lord for everything he has done and He gets all the glory," stated coach Muhic. "Menlo was a great opponent and that was probably the best game I have ever been a part of. Both teams were just battling and making big plays after big plays. I am so proud of these players and how they have come so far and worked so hard for this moment tonight. I thank all the supporters, who have supported us throughout the season. The fans were great. We've been dreaming about a night like tonight for the six years we've been here. Just amazing. Now, we'll have to get refocused and get ready for the NAIA National Tournament. This was a goal of ours and now we want to go to Point Lookout, MO and be a great representative of God, the school and CAL PAC conference."

William Jessup is now 17-13 and earns the Cal Pac's automatic berth into the NAIA Div. II National Championship, a 32-team tournament beginning Mar. 10 in Point Lookout, Mo.