Fullerton, CA- The Hope International University women's basketball (2-4) fall to the Raiders of Southern Oregon University (5-0) Thursday evening at home in Darling Pavilion.
The Royals started the game off strong trading baskets with the Raiders throughout the first 6 minutes of the first quarter. It wasn't until a layup by Amira Austin assisted by Natalie Acuna and a three pointer by Casey Fust put the Royals ahead with 4:20 left to go. It wasn't long until the Raiders returned scoring six straight points to end the first quarter.
The Royals came out in the second quarter looking to end the run for the Raiders and turn the game around. The Royals started the second quarter with a strong drive and finish in the paint by Trasara Alexander, making the score 15-14. The Royals continued to find baskets for themselves as Aliyah Gonzalez made a three assisted by Keira McNamee to put the Royals ahead with 3:50 to go before the half. The Raiders again capitalizing on their offensive opportunities, went on another run, extending the lead once again. Another great drive by Trasara Alexander brought the game within two. The Raiders continued to find success offensively as several last minute baskets from the Raiders sent the game to half time with a score of 35-28.
At the half, the Royals came out looking to find ways to give themselves the lead. The Royals defense was no match for the Raiders as the Raiders went on an 11-0 run. Nearing the end of the quarter, Royals subbed in Amira Austin who brought a strong offensive presence for the Royals. A layup by Amira Austin ended the run for the Raiders. Last minute layup by Casey Fust was not enough the shorten the lead created by the Raiders. The Royals ended the third quarter 60-41.
The Royals started the fourth quarter keeping the Raiders scoreless for the first two minutes of the quarter. Baskets by Trasara Alexander, a free throw by Casey Fust and a three point basket by Faith Brinkman, brought the game within 13 for the Royals. The Royals continued to push the defense of the Raiders attempting to find errors that they could capitalize off of. The Raiders on the other hand, kept their momentum scoring three last minute baskets to secure the win over the Royals. 83-51
The Royals will look to end their four game losing streak this Saturday as they take on Stanton University at 12pm in Fullerton, CA at the Darling Pavilion.
