Fullerton, CA - The Hope International Men's Basketball team (21-4, 9-2 GSAC) hosted the Warriors of Life Pacific University ( 12-7, 6-5 GSAC) Wednesday evening at the Darling Pavilion in Fullerton, CA.
The game was off to a slow start. For the first couple minutes of play, the Royals and the Warriors traded baskets. At 16:05, senior Aaron Wadman hit a 3 point shot to give the Royals a 5 point lead. The Warriors were quick to respond shortening the lead with 13:45 remaining. Efforts from Grant Sii, kept the Royals in the lead as he scored two back to back layups. Following Sii's efforts, a made jump shot by Cameron Dashiell gave the Royals a 7 point lead with 11:56 remaining. The Royals continued to break through the defense of the Warriors, consistently extending their lead. With the Royals leading by 4, two made layups by Josh Hardiman put the Royals ahead 8. The Warriors managed to bring the score within 3, a last second shot by Jozelle Carter Jr. put the Royals ahead 5 going into the half.
Starting the second half, the Royals came out strong with a dunk from Josh Hardiman giving the Royals the angry they needed to get through the half. The Warriors managed to break through the defense of the Royals tying the game with 14:08 remaining. With the game tied and Cameron Dashiell at the line, Dashiell hits a free throw to give the Royals the lead once again. The game managed to stay close, it wasn't until a made layup by Jonah Felix followed by an and - one layup by Miles Ceballos gave the Royals a 6 point lead with less than 10 minutes remaining. The Royals managed to keep their lead despite the Warriors efforts. With 1:32 remaining Jonah Felix forced a turnover and scored a layup to give the Royals an 11 point lead. The Royals held the Warriors scoreless for the remainder of the game. Hardiman led the Royals with a career high 25 points and 14 rebounds for a double double.
The Royals will look to continue conference play as they will travel to Prescott, Arizona to face the Eagles of Embry-Riddle University, Saturday February 15th at 2:00 pm.
