Glendale, Ariz.- Facing the second highest scoring team in the GSAC did not scare No. 3 Arizona Christian as they beat Hope International by 31 on Thursday night. The Firestorm produced the largest winning spread ever (24 games played) in this series that included two games decided by just one point in the previous five meetings.
Game Info
- Game score: Arizona Christian - 94, Hope International - 63
- Records: Arizona Christian - 7-1, 2-1 GSAC, Hope International - 4-2, 2-1 GSAC
- NAIA Top 25 ranking: Arizona Christian - 3, Hope International - RV
- Location: ACU Events Center, Arizona Christian University, Glendale, AZ
ACU Stats For The Day
Inside the Box Score
- The Royals made their first two shots of the game to claim a 5-0 lead
- Back-to-back threes from Mikah Blackwell and Hudgens gave ACU a one point cushion
- A three pointer from Hayden was sandwiched between HIU shots that tied the game at 6-6 and 9-9
- A layup from Berry and dunk by Davis moved ACU ahead for good
- With six minutes left in the half, the Firestorm built a double digit advantage for the first time
- Hayden was the only scorer over ten points with 12 at the half
- After leading by 16 at the break, 13 points was the closest HIU crept in half number two
- ACU held HIU 25 points under their season scoring average
Thoughts from Coach Rutter
"Very proud of our guys and how unselfishly they played. We really shared the ball and were looking for each other out there. We shoot it pretty well when that happens."
"There was a stretch in the second half where Hope cut it 13 and we had most of our starters with four fouls. We hit some big shots to extend the lead and were able to hold them off. It is a great win. Hope is very good- we played well against a very good defense."
Up Next
On Saturday, the men will stay home as they host San Diego Christian for a 2:00 pm tip.
