Oakland, CA - HNU took on William Jessup University tonight in the opening of their first conference game. The series has gone to William Jessup as they have won 9 of the 15 contest. The Hawks made sure it was not going to be 10 tonight. From the start of the game HN U made it apparent what the outcome was going to be by starting with a 25-3 run. But the end of the night, it would be HNU victorious 84-38.

The first have opened up with the Warriors attacking first with a put back by Nikita Evdokimov, but the Hawks would quickly respond with a 10-2 run capped off by a jumper by Fabian Lopez. Marcus Crawford would have an opportunity to cut the lead to six with a pair of free-throws but would only hit one.

For the next seven minutes the Hawks would hold the Warriors score-less while scoring 11 points themselves. William Jessup's Preston Barrow would hit one of two free throws, but the Warriors would be held scoreless for another four minutes. This time the Hawks would capitalize and go on a 9-0 to increase their lead to 25 (30-5). HNU would manage to close the half on an 8-5 run and go into half with a 28 point lead 38-10.

"We really came out doing the little things. We took charges, got on the floor for loose balls, and rebounded the ball really well. We did a good job in the half of disrupting what William Jessup wanted to do and we then capitalized on those opportunities on the offensive end." says Coach Sanchez.

Just as in the first half it would be the Warriors who would strike first. Marcus Crawford would have an opportunity to hit two free throws, but only managed to make one. Ian Collins would quickly respond with a slashing lay-up on an assist by Fabian Lopez. The Warriors would cut the Hawks' lead to 25 2 minutes into the second half, but HNU would push it to 31 after a 6-0 run. HNU would not stop there as they would build a 40-point (70-30) lead with seven minutes left in the half. HNU would maintain their 40-point lead for the remainder of the game. With Zac Sewitsky making two free throws with 39 seconds to close out the Warriors 84-39.

"Tonight we were able to put two halves together, something we have not been able to do, so I was very happy that we were able to do so." added Coach Sanchez.

For the Warriors Preston Bramow finished with 8 points and 7 rebounds. Three others chipped in with 5 points each: Marqus Crawford, Anthony Anderson, and Jordan Wilson.

HNU finished with four in double figures with Colby Herron leading the way with 14 points and three steals. Fabian Lopez added 11, while Richard Craig and Nick Simi added 10 points each. Notably, Mike McElroy added with 8 points, 13 assists, and 5 rebounds.

Next for the Hawks is Pacific Union College on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 7:30pm. The Pioneers swept the Hawks last year with a 20 point win at home.