FULLERTON, Calif. - The Ottawa University Arizona men's basketball team lost on the road to 9th ranked Hope International University by a final score of 106-78 on Monday evening.

With the loss Monday, the Spirit fall to 13-13 overall on the year. Monday's game served as an exhibition for the 9th ranked Hope International University Royals.

The 9th ranked Royals and the Spirit were tied 10-10 at the 13:45 mark in the first half on Monday, and then Hope International took control and never looked back. At halftime, the Royals led OUAZ 49-29. The Spirit shot 36% from the floor in the first half, and made just one of their nine three-point attempts. Hope International on the otherhand shot 43% from the field, 38% from deep, and 80% from the free-throw line.

In the second half, the 9th ranked Royals outscored the Spirit 57-49. OUAZ improved their shooting percentage in the second half, shooting 51% from the field, but HIU shot 56% from the field.

In the loss, three players scored in double figures for the Spirit. Matthew McClain led the way with another double-double; this one was 22 points and 16 rebounds. Tanner Riley added 19 points and Khalil Bailey finished with 11 points.

The Spirit close out the regular season with a pair of home games this Saturday and Monday. First up for the Spirit is a rematch with California Miramar University on Saturday at 2pm at Willow Canyon High School in Surprise. OUAZ closes out the regular season next Monday at home against cross-town rival SAGU American Indian College at 7pm.
 
   
 
 
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.