Glendale, AZ- the Hope International University Royals (14-12, 7-6 GSAC) fell to the Firestorm of Arizona Christian ( 25-4, 12-2 GSAC). In the first round of the GSAC tournament Friday evening in Glendale, AZ. 

The game was off to a rough start for the Royals as the firestorm came out with high energy playing on their home court. It wasn't until 2 minutes into the first quarter when Aliyah Gonzalez hit a jumper to give the Royals their first bucket of the game. The Royals continued to break through the defense of the Firestorm giving them a 3 point lead with 3:35 remaining in the first quarter. The firestorm went on a run of their own nearing the end of the quarter. 

With the Royals down going into the second quarter, they were looking for a way to get themselves back into the game. Despite the Firestorms comfort on home court, the Royals showed resiliency. With 5 minutes remaining before half time, Jada Long hit a 3 point shot assisted by Keira McNamee. The Royals struggled to get the ball in the net. Though baskets came sparingly, a made jumper by Faith Brinkman with 19 seconds left shortened the Firestorms lead going into the half. 

Coming from the halftime break, the Royals continued to push through the adversity. Within the first minute of the second half, Aliyah Gonzalez sank a shot from behind the arc assisted by Jada Long. With a made free throw by Aliyah Gonzalez, the Royals were now down 10 with 7:40 remaining. Despite the Royals efforts to shorten the lead, the Firestorm continued to make plays to keep their lead. With 4:40 remaining, the Royals found Mia Heidt in transition who scored a fast break layup assisted by Aliyah Gonzalez. With 40 seconds remaining and the Royals down, Faith Brinkman hit a three point shot assisted by Aliyah Gonzalez bringing the score within 10. 

With the fourth quarter underway, the Royals were looking to chip away at the Firestorm lead. With 4 minutes remaining, Mia Heidt scored a layup to bring the Royals back into the game. With less than a minute remaining, Andrea Javier hit a 3 point shot assisted by Mia Heidt. With Despite the Royals efforts, the Firestorm managed to keep their lead. 

The Royals now await their fate to see if they are selected as an at large bid for the NAIA Tournament with the opening round set to begin  March 14-15. Tune into the NAIA selection show on Thursday, March 6 at 4:00 PM to learn where the Royals will be going.