ROCKLIN, Calif. – For the second straight season, the Northwest Christian University men's basketball team took home the William Jessup Invitational title with wins over host William Jessup and NAIA D.I California Baptist University. On Friday night, it was a strong second half push to silence a hostile home crowd as NCU won 61-51. The Beacons then faced off against undefeated California Baptist the next afternoon and led from start to finish, winning 68-54. The Lancers were coming off an 86-79 overtime victory the night before over #11 Oregon Tech, the defending Cascade Conference champions.

Against William Jessup, the Beacons defense limited the Warriors to just 34% shooting as a team. Rebounding and defense were the keys to the win, as the Beacons out-rebounded William Jessup 39-29 and had many second-chance opportunities. Senior center Andrew Miller (pictured) was at the heart of this effort and carried the Beacons down the stretch after being knotted at 26 at halftime. “We knew we had our defense going for us in the first half,” Miller said. “In the second half, we took that up a notch and started finishing easy buckets. From there, the game seemed to just come to us.”

Miller led NCU against the Warriors, finishing with 18 points to go with game-highs of 11 rebounds (four offensive), and three assists before fouling out. Ben Voogd also scored 18 for the Beacons, shooting 7-for-12 from the floor and adding three steals. Cameron Marshall contributed seven points to go with eight rebounds.

The Warriors had just one player in double-figures, with Austin Nelson coming off the bench to score 15 points on 4-for-7 shooting from three. At halftime, William Jessup's starters had not made a single field goal, and for the game, they were held to a combined 21 points. The Warriors made just 4-of-19 three point attempts (21%) .

The following afternoon, the Beacons were slated to take on an undefeated (4-0) California Baptist team that was fresh off a gutsy comeback overtime win over Oregon Tech. Prior to that contest, the Lancers played an exhibition against NCAA D.1 San Diego State, who are coming off a 26-win season. The Aztecs only beat Cal Baptist by 15 in San Diego. Clearly, NCU had their work cut out for them. This would be their toughest test of the season thus far, and the defense of their tournament title was on the line.

Any ill effects of a poor shooting night against William Jessup were nowhere to be found, as the Beacons came out on fire, shooting 64% in the first half. NCU also knocked down 6-of-10 three pointers in the first half, including three of the deeper variety from Voogd. The Beacons were as crisp as ever on offense, committing a season-low four turnovers in the first half. NCU's zone defense gave the Lancers big problems, as their starters were held to just 3-for-16 shooting in the first half. What kept them in the game was an absolute stellar performance on the boards by their bigger posts, as the Lancers out-rebounded NCU 21-12 in the first half, and 13-2 on the offensive glass. It was a much cleaner game from the start compared to the previous night, with the two teams combining for just nine turnovers in the first half. Still, the Beacons hot shooting saw them head to the locker room with a 39-29 advantage. 

With NCU's posts in foul trouble, junior Brent McKee stepped up and put together an excellent all-around performance for the Beacons. McKee finished with 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting, adding a game-high nine rebounds. “The team came together the best it has all season,” McKee said, after playing a season-high 33 minutes. “It was great to get into the rhythm of the game and knock down some shots. I think everyone is realizing what they can bring to make us better as a whole. This was a great team win.”

Voogd led the Beacons (4-2) again, getting in the lane at will and finishing with game-highs of 21 points and three assists, shooting 3-for-5 from beyond the arc. For his efforts, he was named tournament MVP. Everyone really came together this weekend and was on the same page,” said Voogd. “We made some big defensive stands and had good chemistry. Everyone is starting to play well together and it was great to get a few wins.”

Erik Quick-Warner added ten points, including a clutch three with two minutes left, while Michael Van Loon came off the bench to score eight points on 3-for-4 shooting. NCU finished the night shooting 51% from the field, and 50% from three (7-14). The Beacons also shot an impressive 79% from the foul line (23-29). 

After his 18-point effort on Friday, Miller added seven points, two blocks, and two steals against the Lancers and was named to the All-Tournament team.

Larry Dew led Cal Baptist (4-1) with 15 points and four steals. Point guard Kelly Johnson, who scored 24 against Oregon Tech, was held to just three points. The Lancers shot 9-for-29 as a team in both halves (31%), including 5-for-27 from three (19%). They only hit 15-of-24 free throws (54%). The 54 points was a season-low for the Lancers.

The Beacons return home this Tuesday to take on Walla Walla University for the second time this season. NCU will be looking to avenge a 103-102 loss on a buzzer-beating three pointer against the Wolves. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 pm. The game will be streamed live online and can be viewed through http://GoBEACONS.com/live.