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Hope International University

HIU vs OUAZ MBB
Liza Rosales
71
Winner OUAZ OUAZ 21-9
69
Hope International HIU 20-11
Winner
OUAZ OUAZ
21-9
71
Final
69
Hope International HIU
20-11
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
OUAZ OUAZ 37 34 71
Hope International HIU 33 36 69

Game Recap: Men's Basketball | | Robert Nilsen

Royals Fall Late To Spirit in Championship Game

Fullerton, CA - The Hope International University men's basketball team (20-10) couldn't hold on to a late lead as they fell 71-69 to OUAZ in the GSAC Championship Game on Saturday at home in the Darling Pavilion.

The Royals got off to a fast start as they took an early 9-3 lead led by five points from Jalani Horn. The Spirit quickly fought back to tie it 11-11. Baskets by Charles Neal and Sebastian Castro put the Royals back on top 15-11 but the Spirit kept coming as they went on a 14-2 run to take a 25-17 lead with 9:15. The Royals continued to battle as a layup by Castro cut it to 26-21 with 8:20 to go. The Spirit had an answer everytime as they continued to lead 33-28 with 3:03 left. Castro continued to shine for the Royals as he cut the lead down to 35-33 with :58 seconds left. The Royals then looked to tie or take the lead but were unable to do so as the Spirit added another basket as the Royals trailed 37-33 at halftime.

The Royals quickly came back to tie it as Rasheet Wilson and Tristan Williams scored layups to make it 37-37. Then Neal scored a basket to put the Royals back ahead 39-37. The Spirit though weren't to be denied as they answered right back retaking a 53-45 lead midway through the second half. The Royals immediately jumped into action as they responded with a 13-0 run as layup from Neal put the Royals back on top 58-53 with 6:59 remaining. The Spirit wouldn't go down though as they came right back to tie it and it was a battle from their as Castro laid it in to put the Royals up 64-60 with 3:05 to go. The Spirit answered to tie it and then took the lead after a scramble for the ball led to a foul call and more free throws that they converted. The Royals continued to fight but just couldn't answer as they fell 71-69.

The Royals now await their fate as a likely at large bid for the NAIA Tournament with the opening round set to begin from March 6-7. Tune into the NAIA selection show on Thursday, March 2 at 5:00 PM to learn where the Royals will be going.
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