San Dimas, CA - The Hope International Men's Basketball team (18-3, 6-1 GSAC) fell to the Warriors of Life Pacific (9-5, 4-3 GSAC) on Saturday Evening at Life Pacific University. 

The Royals started the game off slow as quick bucked by the Warriors put them down 5 points at the start of the game. The Royals quickly answered back with baskets from Josh Hardiman and Nick Hopkins which kept the score within reach. The Warriors, feeling comfortable on their home court, continued to stretch the lead but the Royals continued to shorten their lead. With 10 minutes remaining in the half, Sebastian Castro went on to score two back to back layups putting the Royals ahead by 2, 16-14. The Royals took advantage of the two point lead and continued to extend their lead. Two layups by Grant Sii and Josh Hardiman helped the Royals gain an 8 point lead with 4:37 left in the half. The warriors attempted to shorten the lead but their offense was no match for the Royals defense. The Warriors sent Jonah Felix to the line with 1:22 left in the half. Felix made both free throws giving the Royals a 10 point lead going to half time. 

The Warriors came out from half time looking to defend their home court while the Royals were looking to extend their lead. The teams traded baskets for the majority of the quarter. With 12 minutes remaining, the Warriors began to chip away at the Royals lead. Baskets for the Royals came sparingly as they struggled to score. The Warriors managed to tie the game with 10 minutes left in the game but layups by Nick Hopkins and Josh Hardiman kept the Royals in the lead. The Warriors continued to make shots keeping them in the game. With 4:32 remaining, the Warriors send Nick Hopkins to the foul line. Despite Hopkins hitting both free throws the Royals were down to the Warriors 48-50. With time slowly running out, the Warriors hit 3 shots to give them a comfortable lead nearing the end of the game. The Royals were unable to return from the deficit. The Royals fell to the Warriors 57-59 

The Royals will look to bounce back from their first GSAC loss next Thursday January 30th. The Royals will travel to face the Buccaneers of Park University in Gilbert, AZ at 4:30 pm PST.