Fullerton, CA - The Hope International University men's basketball team (4-1) won their fourth game in a row as they used a big second half to defeat the Bethesda University Flames 88-62 on Saturday afternoon in the Darling Pavilion.

The game proved to be a contest early on as the Flames did a good job of keeping it close as the Royals led 14-11 early in the first. The Royals then took control as they went on a 10-2 run finished off by a three from Sebastian Castro as they took a 24-13 lead midway through the first. The Royals offense continued to fire on all cylinders as they went on a 11-4 run led by seven points from Rasheet Wilson as they took a commanding 35-17 lead with 5:07 left in the half. The Flames didn't give up though as they used some hot three point shooting and pressure defense as they outscored the Royals 15-4 to close the gap to 39-32 with 1:07 left. Gaven Ramirez and Wilson both responded as they hit late free throws as the Royals took a 41-34 lead at halftime.

The Flames continued their momentum into the start of the second as they opened the quarter with three threes to close within 47-46 with 14:55 left. The Royals defense held the Flames at bay as they clamped down while the offense answered with Ramirez scoring a layup to make it 49-46. That would be part of a 7-1 run finished off by a three from Jalani Horn to put the Royals up 56-47 midway through the second. After the Flames answered with a basket the Royals used a 14-0 run led by six points from Horn including a monster dunk to take a 70-49 lead with 7:43 left. It was all Royals from their as the Flames went quiet from three while the Royals closed out the game with an 88-62 victory. Ramirez came off the bench to lead the Royals in scoring with 16 points while Castro recorded a double double.

The Royals continue GSAC play as the travel to Arizona to take on No. 1 Arizona Christian on Thursday, December 1 at 7:30 PM in Glendale, AZ.