California Pacific Conference Men’s Basketball Championship Game Preview

#4 Menlo College At #2 William Jessup University

Date: Tuesday March 2, 2010

Tip-off: 7:30 PM

Site: Warrior Dome - Rocklin, California

Coaches: WJU - Aaron Muhic

Menlo – Matt Davis

The California Pacific Conference Co-Champions from William Jessup University are coming off a 66-55 first round victory over the #7 seed Bethany University and an 84-75 semi-final victory over #6 seed Simpson University. #4 seed Menlo College is coming off a 57-49 first round victory over #5 seed Pacific Union College in the first round and a 65-61 semi-final victory over #1 seed California Maritime University. The winner of the Championship game gets an automatic bid to the NAIA National Tournament in Branson, MO.

Previous Matchups (William Jessup won series 1-1):

January 23rd - William Jessup 77, Menlo College 70 (Warrior Dome- Rocklin)

Jessup Damal Neil led the Warriors with 26 points and 12 rebounds. The two teams battled back in forth through the first half as the Warriors clung to a 34-31 halftime lead. The Warriors built a double digit lead in the second half as they went on for the victory. Jessup’s junior forward Damal Neil had a game high 26 points and 12 rebounds. Junior Kadeem Kirsten finished with 13 points, while senior Jason Washington added 10 points for the Warriors. Senior Tim Kees led the way for Menlo with 20 points. Junior Julian Harris finished with 17 points, while junior Dejon Grant added 10 points in the loss.

February 18th – Menlo College 64, William Jessup 56 (Haynes-Prim Pavilion - Atherton)

The game was back in forth early as the Oaks built a 15-13 lead. Then, the Warriors went cold as the Oaks took a 30-20 halftime lead. Jessup pulled within 7 with 2:30 remaining, but Menlo College was able to close out the game. Menlo’s Julian Harris led the way with 17 points, while Tim Kees added 12 points. Jason Washington carried the offensive load for the Warriors with 23 points, while Damal Neil added 11 points and 9 rebounds.

Jessup Game Notes: Jessup returns to the championship game for the third straight year. Two years ago, the #4 seed Warriors lost to #2 seed Menlo College 61-49. Last year, the #2 seed Warriors dropped a heart breaker to #1 seed California State University-East Bay 55-52. With the score tied, CSU-East Bay hit a 30-foot three pointer with .8 seconds left in the game.

Statistical Leaders Per Game

William Jessup Menlo

Kadeem Kirsten - 13.2 Points Julian Harris – 15.4

Tevin Hurd - 5.9 Rebounds Nick McCullar – 5.8

Jason Washington - 5.3* Assists Dejon Grant - 3.2

Jason Washington - 2.2* Steals Tim Kees – 1

Tevin Hurd - 1.2 Blocks Tyler Ranjus - .7

* = conference leader

Team Statistics

William Jessup Menlo

71 Points 68.1

33.2 Rebounds 33.4

13.4 Assists 11.6

9 Steals 5.3

3.2 Blocks 1.2