Eagles Nearly Complete Stunning Comeback, Fall Just Short to Hope International 66–62

Embry-Riddle (AZ) showed tremendous heart and resilience on Saturday afternoon, rallying from a slow start to push conference-leading Hope International to the brink before ultimately falling 66–62 at the Activity Center. The Eagles drop to 4–10 overall and 3–3 in GSAC play, but their fourth-quarter surge was one of their most inspired stretches of the season.

A Tough Start Against the Conference's Best

Hope International entered the day undefeated in GSAC play, and their experience showed early. The Royals built a 19–11 lead after the first quarter and extended it to 37–20 by halftime. Embry-Riddle struggled to find rhythm offensively, shooting just 27% in the opening half while Hope's Amira Austin dominated inside on her way to a 21-point, 15-rebound performance.

Eagles Settle In After the Break

The third quarter marked a turning point. Embry-Riddle tightened its defense, holding Hope to just 10 points while beginning to chip away at the deficit. Kate McBride and Jordyn Smith sparked the offense, and the Eagles' bench continued to provide steady production.

By the end of the third, the Eagles had cut the margin to 47–34 — still a challenge, but the momentum had shifted.

A Fourth-Quarter Surge That Electrified the Gym

Embry-Riddle exploded for 28 points in the fourth quarter, their best offensive period of the season.

• Kate McBride was unstoppable, scoring 13 of her 16 points in the final frame while attacking the paint with confidence.

• Bella Barrett, Morgan Mann, and Jaelah Clayton all hit timely shots to fuel the comeback.

• The Eagles shot 56% in the quarter and went 8-for-10 at the free-throw line, applying constant pressure.

With under a minute left, the Eagles had closed the gap to a single possession, forcing Hope International to scramble to protect their lead.

Defense Creates Opportunities

Embry-Riddle's defensive intensity was a major factor in the comeback:

• The Eagles forced 14 steals, turning them into 16 points off turnovers.

• They held Hope to just 26% shooting in the third quarter and limited their perimeter looks throughout the second half.

A Performance to Build On

Despite the loss, Embry-Riddle's second-half performance showcased the team's growth, toughness, and ability to compete with the conference's top programs. The Eagles outscored Hope 42–28 after halftime and nearly erased a 21-point deficit.

If they can bottle that fourth-quarter energy, they'll be a dangerous opponent moving forward. Please keep following the Eagles as they play Ottawa Univeristy Arizona down in Suprise, AZ Jan 24th.