Men's Basketball
1/26/2008 - Cline, Pope Career Nights Not Enough Against Westmont
Fullerton, CA- On a rainy Saturday, Hope International squared off against GSAC rival Westmont and fell 85-71. Senior Aron Cline tied his career high with 22 points while Junior Mike Pope set a career high with 11 points for the Royals.
Though the Royals (1-14, 1-8 GSAC) were down 47-31 at half time, Cline had a game high 14 points that included four 3 pointers. In the second half, he converted 3 point plays the hard way- driving to the basket, making the shot while being fouled, and hitting the free throw.
The Royals closed the deficit to just two points several times in the second half with the first occasion coming with 11 minutes to play. Senior Arron Boone led the charge with 11 of his 18 points coming in the second half. Pope added 8 of his 11 in second half as well on the strength of two 3 pointers.
Freshman Richard Merical had his best game in a Royals’ uniform finishing with 8 points and 5 big assists.
Boone and Pope lead the charge defensively with 6 combined blocks including Pope pinning a dunk attempt against the glass late in the second half.
The story of the game had be to the shooting of the Warriors (9-8, 3-6 GSAC). They shot lights out 30 of 54 (56%) from the field for the game (including hitting 60% from behind the 3 point line). The Royals tried to keep pace by shooting a season high 50% (26-52) from the field.
Westmont, playing without their leading scorer, turn to Andrew Schmalbach- who finished with 15 points that included four 3 pointers. Josh Ware and Evan Haines both finished with 12 points while Tyler Dutton dropped in 10 points to help the Warrior cause.
The Royals return to action on Tuesday against Fresno Pacific inside the Darling Pavilion. Tip-off is scheduled for 7pm for the GSAC match-up as the Royals try to avenge an earlier season loss to the Sunbirds.