Fullerton, CA - The Hope International University men's basketball team (6-2, 4-1 GSAC) pulled away late as they took down the Westmont College Warriors 76-70 on Thursday evening in the Darling Pavilion.

It was the Warriors who came out firing as they took an early 7-0 lead as they went on to take a 14-7 advantage with 14:35 left. The Royals quickly called a timeout and regrouped as they went on a 6-0 run to pull within 14-13. The Warriors would quickly answer though as they extended their lead back to 19-13. Sebastian Castro then hit two big free throws to get the Royals within 19-15 midway through the first. The Royals sensing an opening then went on an 8-3 run as they took their first lead of the game at 23-22 with 6:49 left. The Warriors then came back to tie it 25-25 but the Royals closed the quarter on a 10-3 run led by four points from Tristan Williams as they took a 35-28 halftime lead.

The Royals started the second half strong with a basket from Charles Neal and a fastbreak dunk from Jalani Horn to take a 39-28 lead their largest of the game at that point. The Warriors didn't go away as they came right back to tie it 45-45 and then retook a 46-44 lead with 12:34 remaining. The Royals answered as Tristan Williams scored off a nice play and then Christopher Caleb nailed a key three as the Royals went up 49-46 midway through the second. The Warriors didn't let the Royals get away as they closed back within 55-53 and then 60-56 with 5:38 remaining. The Royals then came to life as they went on a 10-0 run led by five points from Neal as they took a 70-56 lead with 2:22 left. The Warriors used some hot three point shooting to close the gap late but Castro and Horn hit clutch free throws to seal the 76-70 victory. Castro led the Royals with 21 points while Horn recorded a double double (16 points, 10 rebounds).

The Royals continue GSAC play at home as they take on The Master's University on Saturday, December 10 at 7:30 PM in the Darling Pavilion