Caldwell, Idaho- The Hope International University Women's Basketball team (2-1) fell to the Yotes of The College of Idaho (1-0) in their third preseason game of the 2024 season on the road in Caldwell, Idaho.
The Royals looking to continue their win streak, started this game off strong trading baskets with the Yotes early in the first quarter. The Yotes eventually went on a short run extending the lead by four with 5:39 left in the half. This run did not last long as Faith Brinkman ended the Yotes run with a 3 point basket putting the Royals within one point of the Yotes. Jada Long built off of Brinkman's made three making a three for her self putting the Royals ahead 11-9 with 4:40 left in the quarter. The Yotes were quick to answer back going on a 6-1 run to end the first quarter 12-17.
Both teams started the second quarter defensively strong as the game went scoreless for the first two minuets. It wasn't until Aliyah Gonzalez hit a 3 point shot to keep the game within reach for the Royals. Though, the defense and effort from the Royals was no match for the Yotes as they proceeded to go on a 10 point run. With 5:47 left to go in the half, Jada Long ended the Yotes run with two more 3 point shots. The Yotes continued to break through the defense of the Royals. With the Yotes holding a seven point lead nearing the end of the half, Faith Brinkman continued to dominate from behind the arc hitting another 3 point shot to bring the game within four. Two last minute free throws by Brinkman brought the game within two points going into the half. 28-30
The Royals looking to turn the game around in the third quarter could not stand to the Yotes who found a second wave of energy starting the second half. The Yotes opened the half with an 8-0 run which was ended by a timeout called by the Royals followed by another 3 point shot from Faith Brinkman. Despite efforts in the paint from Aliyah Gonzalez and a made 3 point shot by Casey Fust, the Yotes continued to dominate the third quarter stretching the lead to 15 points nearing the end of the quarter. Two last minute free throws by Trasara Alexander and one made free throw by Casey Fust brought the Royals within 14 to start the fourth quarter.
The Royals made player adjustments to start the fourth quarter looking to find ways to chip away at the Yotes lead. The Royals struggled to find ways to score throughout the fourth quarter. The Yotes capitalized on various errors and missed baskets by the Royals resulting in the Royals scrambling to find last minuet ways to turn the game around. Despite free throws from Faith Brinkman and Natalie Acuna, the Royals were unable to come back from the 19 point deficit. The Yotes defeated the Royals 56-75.
The Royals will look to bounce back from their first loss of the 2024-2025 season as they face the Mountaineers of Eastern Oregon University on Saturday November 9th in Caldwell, Idaho at 12pm PST.
