Embry-Riddle opened strong and stayed within striking distance for much of the afternoon, but a cold shooting stretch and a second-half surge by Hope International ultimately handed the Eagles a 64–51 road loss on Saturday at Darling Pavilion.

Embry-Riddle came out sharp defensively, blocking multiple shots in the opening minutes and grabbing an early 2–0 lead on a Jacey Canalin layup. Noah Gifft gave the Eagles additional momentum with a pair of early threes, keeping ERAU within a possession throughout the first ten minutes. 

Despite shooting 36% in the opening half, ERAU attacked the glass with intensity, pulling down 19 first-half rebounds—six from Gifft alone. The Eagles stayed composed at the free-throw line (7-of-8), helping them remain close heading into halftime down just 33–28.

Gifft paced the Eagles with a team-high 16 points and 10 rebounds, notching a double-double while knocking down four three-pointers. His scoring stretches in both halves kept ERAU within reach during critical moments.

Peter Dress added 9 points, including a key second-half three that cut the deficit to 47–49 with just under six minutes remaining.

Canalin chipped in 6 points, 3 assists, and 3 steals, while Matur Dhal anchored the interior with 8 rebounds and 4 blocks.

The Eagles again closed the gap early in the second half—Gifft's fourth three brought ERAU within 36–37, and a Dress layup moments later gave the Eagles their first lead of the half at 38–37.

But HIU responded with a series of interior scores led by Aman Haynes, who poured in 17 points off the bench. The Royals' size and physicality generated 28 points in the paint and 13 second-chance points, creating breathing room as the half progressed.

ERAU continued battling, but an 11–4 HIU run over the final four minutes sealed the outcome.

The Eagles will play the final two regular season games in the Activity Center, the first is against OUAZ on Thursday at 7pm.