Fullerton, CA - The Hope International University men's basketball team (15-6, 8-4 GSAC) delivered a statement victory as they blew out OUAZ 91-69 on Thursday evening at home in the Darling Pavilion.

The Royals came out strong as they opened with a big three from Sebastian Castro as they raced out to an early 7-2 lead. The Spirit would then cut it to 7-5, but the Royals came up big time as they went on a 10-0 run led by four points from Sebastian Castro as they extended their lead to 17-5. The Spirit would pull back within 19-12 but the Royals continued to force turnovers and score on the other end as they extended their lead back out to 28-14 on a Gaven Ramirez layup midway through the first. The Spirit wouldn't go down easily as they fought to get back within 32-26 with 4:32 remaining. The Royals would quickly answer as they forced several turnovers which helped start a 9-2 run as they extended their lead back out to 41-28 finished with a big three from Caleb Christopher. The teams then exchanged baskets as the Royals took a 41-30 lead at halftime.

The Royals came out firing after halftime as they opened the quarter on an 13-4 run led by four points from Tristan Williams as they took a commanding 54-34 lead. After the Spirit made it 54-37 the Royals went on a 13-3 run finished off by free throws from Ramirez as they took a 67-40 lead. The Spirit wouldn't go away without a fight as they answered with a 14-2 run thanks to some free throw shooting as they closed within 69-54 with 8:49 remaining. The Royals didn't let the Spirit back into the game though as Charles Neals answered with a jumped followed by a dagger three from Calen Murray to make it 74-54. The Royals then continued to pour it on as they outscored the Spirit 12-5 finished off by a big three from Jalani Horn as they took an 86-59 lead with 3:42 remaining. It was garbage time from there as the Royals emptied the bench and went on to win 91-69. Horn led the way with 21 points while Williams recorded a double double (19 points, 10 rebounds).

The Royals continue action at home as No. 5 Arizona Christian comes to town on Saturday, January 28 at 2:00 PM in the Darling Pavilion in Fullerton, CA.