Fourth-ranked Westmont scored 29 points in the third quarter – 14 by Iyree Jarrett – allowing the Warriors to erase a five-point halftime deficit on their way to a 72-56 Golden State Athletic Conference win over William Jessup on Saturday in Rocklin (10-6, 3-2).
Westmont improves to 13-2 and 6-0 in the GSAC, while William Jessup is 10-6, 3-2.
Jarrett led all players with 28 points (22 in the second half) while also tallying eight assists and four rebounds. The sophomore guard made 11 of 18 from the floor and went four of four from the free throw line.
“With her decision making, Iyree had command of the offense today,” offered Moore.
Jessup was led in scoring by Creonah Bryant (12 points 11 rebounds) and Liz Gehweiler (12 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists). Miranda Zaragoza tallied 10 points and 13 rebounds.
In the big third quarter, Westmont went on a 17-3 run with Jarrett providing 14 of the points on two 3-pointers that followed four layups. Lauren Tsuneishi drained one from downtown to account for the other three points.
Jarrett had picked up her third personal foul just two minutes into second half. However, Moore decided to leave her in the game – a decision that could not have worked out better. Jarrett was not charged with another foul the rest of the game.
“Iyree was phenomenal,” noted Moore. “Jessup was concerned about our shooters, so she was able to get to the rim and finish. Once they had to do something about Iyree, our shooters stepped up.”
Maud Ranger recorded her third double-double in a row, scoring 19 points and pulling down 12 rebounds. Ranger was five of seven from beyond the arc and four of five from the charity stripe. Ranger also pilfered the ball four times.
“Maud was unbelievable with a great effort on the boards and knocking down really important shots,” said Moore.
Tsuneishi added 15 points for Westmont, making five of 12 from long distance. Six of her points came in the first quarter when the Warriors were struggling to score.
The win is the eighth in a row of the Warriors and keeps them in a first-place tie in the GSAC standings with #3 The Master’s (18-0, 6-0). The Mustangs also had a come-from-behind win on Saturday, defeating Menlo (6-8, 2-3) by a score of 72-54.
That sets up a showdown for first place when Westmont hosts The Master’s next Saturday at Murchison Gymnasium. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
“Master’s is arguably the most talented team in the country and undefeated,” acknowledged Moore. “They are as deserving as anyone of being ranked number one in the nation. It is exciting that they are coming to our home court. I hope the community comes out to support us. We are going to do everything we can to play our best. It will be a great match-up between the two undefeated teams in GSAC.”