Fullerton, CA - The Hope International University Royals Men's Basketball Team (14-2, 2-0 GSAC), defeated to the Redhawks of Benedictine University (11-5,  0–2 GSAC) on Thursday evening at home in the Darling Pavilion. 

The Royals started this game off strong as a three point shot made by Grant Sii put The Royals ahead early in the half. Despite early attempts by the Redhawks, the Royals were unfazed. Nick Hopkins and CJ Fisher made back to back three point shots that gave the Royals a comfortable lead within the first 6 minutes of the half. Despite the Royals offensive success, The Redhawks continued to find their way to the basket keeping the game within five with 10:30 left in the first half. Two layups by Jonah Felix assisted by Cameron Dashiell put the Royals ahead by six, 16-22. The Redhawks, called a 30 second timeout, looking to break the consistent scoring by The Royals. Following the timeout, The Redhawks gained some momentum and slowly began chipping away at The Royals lead, nearly tiring the game with less than a minute to play before the half. In the last seconds, a made baskets by Nick Hopkins secured the lead for The Royals making the score 41-40 at the half. 

The halftime break was just what The Royals needed. Out of the half, the royals went on a 7-0 run sparked Josh Hardiman who immediately scored a layup assisted by Nick Hopkins. The Redhawks continued to find ways to keep themselves in the game but a layup by Sebastian Castro gave The Royals a double digit lead with 14:01 left to play. The Redhawks defense was no match for the Royals as they continued to extend their lead throughout the half. The Royals managed to dominate the rest of the game, a made three point shot by Cameron Dashiell assisted by Jonah Felix, which kicked off a run for the Royals that the Redhawks struggled to find an answer to. With the game nearing the end, a last minute three point shot by Josiah Beckenhauer secured the win for the Royals, 94-72. 

The Royals will look to continue their GSAC campaign as they face the Buccaneers of Park University this Saturday at 2pm in the Darling Pavilion in Fullerton, CA.