Fullerton, CA - The Hope International University men's basketball team (13-5, 6-3 GSAC) won their second game in a row as they used a big second half to defeat the Life Pacific University Warriors (8-9, 1-8 GSAC) 98-60 on Saturday evening in the Darling Pavilion.

The Royals had a solid opening to the half scoring six points in a row. The Warriors were unfazed by this as they immediately responded with five points. The Warriors Daniel Hernandez scored a crucial basket, to even the score at 8-8. The game was back and forth between the two teams, but the Royals went on a seven-point run with support from everyone on the court having a chance to score. In order to shift the Royals' momentum and seize control of the half, Jalani Horn scored back-to-back layups and made a free throw. Despite the deficit, the Warriors never gave up, as Austin Cook sank two free throws to bring the score to 29-20. With a 15-point advantage at the break, the Royals were rolling. With 10 points each, Sebastian Castro and Gaven Ramirez were the Royals' top two scorers.

The Royals scored 10 points in the first three minutes of the second half, forcing the Warriors to take an early timeout as they held a 52-30 lead. The Warriors lost their will to battle as the Royals continued to score points. With a three-pointer from Caleb Christopher, the Royals now led by 30 points at 60-30. Christopher continued to play strongly, making three consecutive three-pointers to force the Warriors to take a timeout with the score 77-39. The game was confidently won by the Royals by 38 points at 98-60. Five Royals players scored in double figures, with Christopher leading the way with a season high 21 points. 

The Royals continue GSAC play as they travel to Rocklin, CA to take on William Jessup on Thursday, January 19th at 7:30 PM.