Fullerton, Calif. — OUAZ Men's Basketball pushed No. 19 Hope International down to the wire but fell 68–66 on Saturday at Darling Pavilion. The Spirit led 32–27 at the half behind inside play and timely perimeter shooting, but the Royals rallied in the second half, outscoring OUAZ 41–34 to take the narrow victory.

Carter Gittens led the Spirit with 16 points, while Jerry Johnson added 11 points and four assists. Tyran Simpson finished with 11 points and two steals, and Quinn Thorne chipped in nine on 3-of-6 three-point shooting. Zeke Viuhkola contributed eight points and three assists, and Max Mkpa provided a physical presence with three points and a game-high 15 rebounds. OUAZ shot 37.5 percent from the floor, knocked down 14 triples, and won the rebounding battle 41–33, including 17 offensive boards that produced 14 second-chance points. The team dished 14 assists and committed 16 turnovers in a hard-fought conference contest.

Despite the loss, the Spirit remain competitive in conference play and will return to Faith Arena next week. OUAZ hosts Park-Gilbert on Thursday, December 11; tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. MST.