Prescott, AZ - The Hope International Women's Basketball Team ( 13-12, 7-6 GSAC) defeated the Eagles of Embry Riddle University ( 9-16, 4-9 GSAC), Saturday afternoon in Prescott, Arizona.
The game was off to a slow start as both teams struggled to find their rhythm. At the 6 minute mark, Faith Brinkman managed to help the Royals get on the board scoring a basket at the rim. Baskets came sparingly for both teams. Despite the Eagles being comfortable on their home court, the Royals managed to keep the score close. With 1:30 remaining and the Royals down two, Mia Heidt scored a layup at the basket to tie the game. With just seconds left in the quarter, the Eagles send Amira Austin to the line, hitting both free throws the game is now tied. At the last second, Royals guard, Aliyah Gonzalez made a layup to give the Royals the lead going into the second quarter.
The start of the second quarter was just the Royals needed to turn the game around. With the Royals in the lead, Jada Long hit a shot behind the arc to put the Royals up 7 with 7:33 remaining before the half. The Royals continued to build off of this lead through the quarter. The Royals looking to give their starters a breather, subbed in Kennedy Pucci who was immediately effective hitting a 3 point shot to give the royals a 10 point lead four minutes before the half. The Eagles continued to make attempts to break through the Royals defense. Their effort was nothing compared to the Royals defense. With 24 seconds remaining, the Eagles sent Mia Heidt to the line. Hitting both free throws, the Royals are now up 9 going into half time.
Coming from the half time break, the Eagles capitalized on scoring opportunities bringing the game within four with 4:49 remaining. Looking to end the Eagles run, Aliyah Gonzalez drives hard to the basket scoring an and one layup assisted by Jada Long. Gonzalez made the free throw and now the Royals are up 7 nearing the end of the third quarter. With 2:15 remaining, Keira McNamee subs into the game scoring a layup to once again extend the Royals lead. With 30 seconds remaining and the Royals up 9, the Eagles send Calla Anderson to the line who hits two free throws to help the Royals keep their lead going into the fourth.
The fourth quarter was off to a great start as a made layup by Mia Heidt gave the Royals an 11 point lead early in the quarter. Immediately following Heidt's layup, Gonzalez scored one of her own. While baskets came sparingly for the Royals. The Royals defense was what kept their lead. The Royals managed to stop the Eagles several times in a row, helping them keep their lead throughout the quarter. With 3:11 remaining and the game within 10, Jada long scored a basket at the rim to give the Royals a 12 point lead. Despite late efforts by the Eagles, the Royals held on to their lead, defeating the Eagles by 10.
The Royals will travel to Santa Clarita for the last game of their Regular Season games. The Royals are set to face the Mustangs of The Masters University on Thursday, February 20th at 5:30.
