Eagles Control Second Half, Knock Off Hope International 82–70

Embry-Riddle (AZ) delivered one of its most complete performances of the season on Saturday afternoon, outlasting Hope International 82–70 at the Activity Center. The Eagles move to 11–8 overall and 4–2 in GSAC play, handing the Royals just their second conference loss of the year.

A Back-and-Forth First Half

The opening 20 minutes featured four ties and constant momentum swings. Embry-Riddle's perimeter shooting kept them in front, with six first-half threes and efficient scoring from the starting group.

• Peter Dress set the tone early with 11 first-half points, including three triples.

• Jacey Canalin added 9 points before the break, attacking the paint and knocking down a three of his own.

The Eagles took a 35–33 lead into halftime, but the game still felt wide open.

Eagles Take Over After the Break

The second half belonged to Embry-Riddle. The Eagles shot a blistering 58.6%

from the field and 36% from three, turning a tight game into a controlled, confident win.

The offense clicked at every level:

• Dress continued his dominant afternoon, finishing with 27 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 made threes.

• Noah Gifft found his rhythm, scoring 12 second-half points and finishing with 18 overall.

• Canalin added 15 points, 5 assists, and steady ball-handling against Hope's pressure.

• Christian Wells was a glue piece again — 9 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals — impacting the game everywhere.

Defense and Discipline Seal It

Embry-Riddle's defensive effort was just as important as the scoring surge. The Eagles forced 16 Hope turnovers, converting them into 14 points. They held Hope to just 2-for-10 from three in the second half. ERAU's rotations and help defense limited Hope's perimeter threats and forced tough shots late. Even when Hope's Nick Hopkins (23 points) made individual plays, the Eagles' team defense prevented any sustained run.

A Force from the Side 

While Hope International got zero bench points, Embry-Riddle's depth once again made a difference with Conner Ivy provided a spark with 5 points and a steal. Dallan Lilly adding a clean finish at the rim. The rotation stayed fresh, allowing the team to close strong.

A Statement Win

Embry-Riddle's largest lead reached 13 points, and they controlled the final 10 minutes with poise and execution. Shooting 55% from the field and hitting 10 threes, the Eagles showcased the balance and firepower that make them a legitimate threat in GSAC play. This win marks one of the most complete team performances of the season — efficient offense, disruptive defense, and a composed second-half push against a top conference opponent. Be ready for the Eagles to take on Ottawa University Arizona Jan 24.