KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Southern Oregon shot 55 percent over the first 20 minutes to build a 16-point halftime lead, coasting to an 81-59 victory over Hope International on the final day of the Lithia Classic at Danny Miles Court.

Coming off a victory against No. 19 Oregon Tech, the Royals appeared to run out of gas after dealing with the trials and tribulations of Friday's travel schedule, which included flight cancellations that prevented the team from arriving to the venue until an hour before tip time. Playing its second game in as many nights less than 24 hours later, the Royals were unable to muster the same energy.

HIU managed to hang with the Raiders for the first 12 minutes of the game, getting 10 points from its bench in that span. Aman Haynes converted a traditional three-point play as the Royals trailed just 26-22 with a little over 11 minutes remaining.

But the Raiders utilized a 13-2 run over a four and a half minute stretch to blow the game open, leading 45-27 following a tip-in basket by Bryce Dyer with 4:42 to go. The lead reached 22 before HIU scored six straight points – four on free throws by CJ Fisher – and went into intermission trailing 51-35.

Nick Hopkins converted a three-point play to help the Royals close within 13 at 53-40, but HIU was unable to cut the deficit to single digits. SOU charted another big run – this one 12-2 – pushing the lead back to 65-52 on a Jace Anderson jumper. HIU missed four straight shots and committed three turnovers over that stretch.

SOU managed to shoot just 34.8 (8 of 23) percent in the second half, but the Royals could not take advantage as they were 8 of 21 (38.1%) during the final 20 minutes. 

HIU, which hit 8 of 12 threes against Oregon Tech, managed just 2 of 11 efficiency on Saturday.

Hopkins led the Royals with 15 points. Jorren Edmonds added 12 points and Aman Haynes 10.

SOU pulled down 14 offensive rebounds, which helped feed a 22-14 second chance points advantage.

The Raiders had a balanced offensive attack with four players in double figures and two more with eight points.

HIU turns its attention to the start of GSAC play, which begins with a road game on Thursday, November 22 against La Sierra. Tip time is slated for 8:00 p.m.