SURPRISE, Ariz. – The OUAZ women's basketball team trailed by three at halftime, but they couldn't keep up with Hope International in the second half as they fell 82-62 in the final home game of the season.
 
OUAZ (10-13, 4-12 GSAC) had a seven-point lead in the first quarter when Hope International (17-9, 7-9) went on a 14-4 run to take the lead early in the second quarter. The Royals never gave that lead back despite a late first-half run from the Spirit to trim a 10-point deficit to three by halftime.
 
That HIU lead hovered around 10 for most of the third quarter and with 7:31 to play in the fourth OUAZ trailed 63-54. Over the next five-plus minutes, the Royals went on a 12-1 burst to put the game away and complete the season sweep.
 
OUAZ ended the game shooting 35.6 percent with 28 points in the paint. They made just 3 of 16 from beyond the arc while scoring 15 points from 13 offensive rebounds. HIU took advantage of 27 OUAZ turnovers – a season high – by converting them into 23 points.
 
Bailey Osmer led the Spirit with 18 points while grabbing 10 rebounds for her third double-double of the season. She also had three assists, one steal, and one blocked shot.
 
Playing in their final home games, seniors Jorie Mayfield and Alexis Smith also scored in double figures. Mayfield had 16 points and 10 rebounds while Smith added 13 points and nine rebounds.
 
HIU shot 41.6 percent and had 46 points in the paint. Nia De La Pena-Thompson led the Royals with 23 points and 10 rebounds.
 
OUAZ will close out the season next weekend with a trip to northern California. They play at William Jessup on Thursday before the season finale at No. 22 Menlo on February 23.