The Royals started off slow as the Warriors of Life Pacific university started the game off strong scoring their first basket within 15 seconds of the game starting. The Royals did not let the lead extend too far as they also scored their first basket within the first minute of the game. The teams continued to trade baskets through the remainder of the quarter. Despite efforts by Aliyah Gonzalez and Mia Heidt, the warriors dominated the first quarter leading by 14 going into the second.
The Royals started off the second quarter making it clear that they were not going down without a fight. A quick basket by Aliyah Gonzalez assisted by Mia Heidt made the Royals presence known. The Warriors continued to dominate their home court as they continued to break through the Royals defense and extend the lead. In the last minute of the quarter, a made 3 pointer by Casey Fust assisted by Andrea Javier brought the game within 13 going into the half.
The halftime break was just what the Royals needed to reset. With a new found flame and a made layup by Mia Heidt gave the Royals the energy they needed to keep their fight. The Royals continued to break though the defense of the Warriors, a made 3 pointer by Faith Brinkman assisted by Aliyah Gonzalez put the game within reach for the Royals making the score 38-41 with 2:38 left in the 3rd quarter. Two made free throws by Amira Austin tied the game right at the end of the quarter. The Royals defense was no match for the Warriors as the Royals only allowed 2 points in the entire quarter.
With the score tied going into the fourth quarter, the Royals began to capitalize on their momentum from the 3rd quarter. The 4th quarter was a nail bitter as the teams traded baskets. Two free throws by Andrea Javier put the Royals up by 2 with 6:24 left in the match. The Warriors attempted to stop the Royals but their momentum and will to win kept them in the lead. A made layup by Mia Heidt gave the Royals a 5 point lead with 2:14 left in the half. The game came down to free throws for the Royals. Mia Heidt secured the win for the Royals by sinking two free throws.
The Royals will look to continue their GSAC winning streak next Thursday. They travel to Gilbert, AZ and will face the Buccaneers of Park University Gilbert Thursday January 30th at 4:30pm PST.
