BOCOLAD CITY, PHILIPPINES – The William Jessup University Men’s Basketball team continues their hot streak through the Philippines, taking home the championship trophy Sunday against La Salle. The tournament, which is used as a preview of sorts for the NOPSSCEA basketball schedule in Negroes, features four teams from the prestigious league.
The Warriors started the tournament hot, beating a league all-star team by a score of 100-92. They also held off the defending league champion and host school, the University of West Negroes, 92-87. In between games, there was more basketball for the team, as they played a prison team and also hosted a basketball clinic at a local mall. Off the court, the team has been involved in the community and spending time sharing their faith with the locals.
Jessup grad and all-Cal Pac selection Lucas Birchard was named tournament MVP, showing little rust in his summer layoff from competitive action.
Coach Aaron Muhic said he and his team have really enjoyed their overseas experience. ‘Our tour in Negroes has been a great experience so far. We have had some from very tough games and have responded well. It is really great being in a country that is so open to the gospel and is so accepting to us.”
The men will next travel to the Northern part of the Island of Negroes to take on three select teams to finish up their tour. The men will return home on Thursday, and begin school the following week. The first game for the Warriors in America will be November 5th, as they travel to Eugene, OR, to play Northwest Christian College.
