SANTA CLARITA, Calif. - The OUAZ women's basketball team fell to Hope International University 87-75 in game one of the Jersey Mike's Fall Classic; hosted by The Master's University in Santa Clarita, California.
"Our players fought hard against an undefeated team in Hope International," Head Coach Milee Karre said. "We played much better offensively in this game, but we need to play both ends of the court. We will be tested at a high level again tomorrow against The Masters University. I am looking forward to seeing how we compete against another great team."
In the first quarter the Hope International University Royals jumped ahead to take the lead, but the Spirit held to their game plan tying the game once at 10-10 and ending the quarter within striking distance at 16-22. In the second quarter the game progressed similarly to the first, the Royals taking the lead early and the Spirit keeping up with them. The Royals were able in the second quarter to distance themselves by eight points from the Spirit to end the half 42-34.
To start the second half the Spirit caught up quickly to 41-42 before the Royals could get on the board. Both teams went shot for shot and ended the quarter with the Royals up 63-59. In the fourth quarter, the Royals held the Spirit to 16 points while they scored 24 points to end the game 87-75.
The Spirit held higher shooting percentages, especially using their 3-point shooting talent to keep themselves in the game, but the Royals dominated in rebounds, both offensive and defensive. Kayla Toledo(JR/Phoenix, AZ) and Alexis Smith (JR/Phoenix, AZ) combined for 41 points, 21 of those came from the 3-point line.
OUAZ plays The Master's University tomorrow at 3:00pm (MST) in game two of the Jersey Mike's Fall Classic.
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About Ottawa University
Founded in 1865, Ottawa University prepares professional and liberal arts graduates for lifetimes of personal significance, vocational fulfillment and service to God and humanity within a Christ-inspired community of grace and open inquiry. Ottawa University is a comprehensive, not-for-profit educational institution serving 3,000 students through its residential campuses in Ottawa, Kan., and Surprise, Ariz., and adult campuses in Overland Park, Kan.; Phoenix, Queen Creek and Surprise, Ariz.; Brookfield, Wis.; Jeffersonville, Ind.; as well as online. For more information, visit www.ottawa.edu.
For more information about OUAZ athletics, visit http://www.ottawa.edu/ouaz/athletics. Follow OUAZ athletics on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OUAZSpiritAthletics/ and on Twitter twitter.com/OUAZSpirit.
