Women's Basketball
1/5/2008 - Slow Start Dooms Royals
Azusa, CA- Hope International returned to GSAC play on the road against Azusa Pacific on Saturday night and suffered through a 93-61 loss. The Royals opened the game shooting 1 for 10 from the field. Freshman Brittany Philbrook picked up her second career double-double with 17 points with 10 rebounds.
The Royals (11-5, 2-2 GSAC) came out over hyped as they squared off against their former coach for the first time- Azusa Pacific’s T.J. Hardeman. The ladies finished the first half shooting just 20 percent (6-30) from the field.
Meanwhile, the Cougars (12-2, 4-0 GSAC) seemed to not miss as they hit 18 of 30 in the first half to take a 43-20 halftime lead.
Senior Jasmine Nault managed 20 points, 5 points under her average, while shooting 50 percent (7-14) from the field. Both stats lead the Royals.
Unfortunately, the rest of the Royals shot just 13 of 42 (31 percent) for the game.
As bad as the Royals shot throughout the game, the Cougars were the complete opposite. They finished the game hitting the 53 percent of their shoots (35-66).
All five of the Cougar’s starters scored in double figures led by Sarah Leathers and Kristie Hala’ufia both scoring 18. Abby Johnson picked up a double-double (15 points, 10 rebounds)- her fourth of the season. Kate Shipp finished with 15 while Michelle Byrd contributed 11 points and 8 assists.
The Royals return to action next Saturday against San Diego Christian. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 pm inside the Darling Pavilion. That game will be the first time the Royals have played at home since December 8th.