Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

Hope International University

MBB vs ACU
60
Hope International HIU 22-7
69
Winner Arizona Christian ACU 25-4
Hope International HIU
22-7
60
Final
69
Arizona Christian ACU
25-4
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Hope International HIU 25 35 60
Arizona Christian ACU 31 38 69

Game Recap: Men's Basketball | | Robert Nilsen

Royals Fall to No. 5 Firestorm in GSAC Semifinals

Glendale, AZ - The Hope International University men's basketball team (22-7) dropped a tough GSAC Semifinal match 69-60 to the No. 5 Arizona Christian University Firestorm on Saturday afternoon on the road in Glendale, AZ.

The Firestorm jumped out to an early lead as they opened on a 9-2 run. The Royals answered with a 12-4 run as Aaron Wadman finished off a three point play to give the Royals their first lead of 14-13 with 11:06 to go. The Firestorm quickly retook the lead but the Royals stayed hot on their heels as back to back baskets by Grant Sii put the Royals back ahead 18-16 with 8:19 remaining. The Firestorm came right back on a huge run to take a 28-18 lead with 3:59 to go. The Royals kept up the fight as Sii and CJ Fisher both nailed threes as the Royals closed within 31-25 at halftime.

The Royals continued their momentum into the second half as Sii knocked down another three before two free throws from Josh Hardiman pulled them within 31-30 just two minutes into the half. Needing an answer the Firestorm got it as they extended their lead to 40-31 with 16:55 remaining. The Royals came storming back on a 13-3 run as a layup by Wadman put them back ahead 44-43 with 9:54 left. The Firestorm quickly retook the lead but the Royals kept it close as Dashiell drained a huge three to make it 55-53 with 3:28 to go. The Royals were unable to complete the comeback though as they fell 69-60. 

The Royals now await their fate as a likely at large bid for the NAIA Tournament with the opening round set to begin from March 14-15. Tune into the NAIA selection show on Thursday, March 6 at 5:00 PM to learn where the Royals will be going.
Print Friendly Version