Fullerton, CA- The Hope International University Women's Basketball team (11-12, 5-6 GSAC) fell to the the Firestorm of Arizona Christian (21-3, 10-1 GSAC) Saturday afternoon in the Darling Pavilion.
The game was off to a quick start with the Royals looking to extend their five game winning streak. Amira Austin made a quick layup assisted by Mia Heidt to give the Royals the first points of the game. The Firestorm were quick to answer back quickly making several baskets to give them the lead nearing the end of the first quarter. With 2:25 remaining, the Firestorm sent Amira Austin to the line who hit two free throws bringing the Royals within four. Nearing the end of the quarter, and the Royals still down, Aliyah Gonzalez hit a mid-range jump shot with 48 seconds remaining making the score 19-15, putting the Royals down four going into the second quarter.
The second quarter was a battle for both teams. The Royals continued to find the basket making key baskets to keep them in the game. The Firestorm continued to break through the Royals defense finding ways to score and keep the lead. The Royals called a timeout with 4:48 remaining looking to stop the Firestorm's run. Now down nine, Mia Heidt made a layup bringing the game within 7 with 4:03 remaining before the half. Possession by possession, the Royals began to cut away at the Firestorm lead. Nearing the end of the quarter Casey Fust hit a 3 pointer assisted by Trasara Alexander. Immediately following, Andrea Javier hit a jump shot to send the game to half time 35-29, with the Royals down six.
The halftime break was just what the Royals needed to keep themselves in the game. In the midst of the teams trading baskets throughout the quarter, Mia Heidt found her way to the rim scoring an and one layup. With the game now within one, Heidt goes to the line and hits the free throw, tying the game with 6:32 remaining in the third quarter. Both teams showed incredible defense as the score of the game remained the same for the next couple of possessions. Despite scoring efforts from the Firestorm, the Royals subbed in Natalie Acuna who hit a corner 3 point shot to once again tie up the game. With just seconds remaining, the Firestorm made a layup again giving them the lead. Andrea Javier had a quick answer to their basket. Javier with 35 seconds remaining hit a jump shot to bring the Royals within two going into the fourth and final quarter.
With the fourth quarter underway and the Royals looking to gain the lead, the Royals found a new wave of energy. Breaking through the firestorm defense, the Royals gained their lead with 7:42 remaining when Andrea Javier hit 3 point shot. The Firestorm were quick to respond and went on a short run for themselves. This run was ended by Amira Austin who made a layup inside making the score 54-50 with 2:56 remaining in regulation. With a minute remaining and the Royals now down six, The Royals called a timeout to draw up a play looking to shorten the lead and get a few quick stops. Andrea Javier scored two back to back layups bringing the game within two. With 5 seconds remaining, The Firestorm send Amira Austin to the line to shoot two free throws. Austin sank both free throws to send the game into Overtime.
With the game tied at the beginning of overtime, the Firestorm sent Andrea Javier to the line who hits a free-throw giving the Royals a lead with 1:40 remaining in OT. The teams continued to trade baskets during the last minute of overtime. Despite a last minute rebound by Casey Fust, the Royals ran out of time to turn the game around.
The Royals will look to bounce back from tonight's loss next Wednesday, February 12th at 5:30 pm. The Royals will face the Warriors of Life Pacific University at the Darling Pavilion in Fullerton, CA.
