Embry-Riddle opened with one of its best quarters of the season, but a cold afternoon from the field and a second-quarter surge by Hope International proved too much to overcome as the Eagles fell 70–50 on Saturday inside Darling Pavilion.

ERAU came out sharp, shooting 45% in the opening frame and controlling the scoreboard with a 20–14 advantage after ten minutes. Kate McBride ignited the offense early, scoring 9 first-quarter points, while Morgan Evenson and Jordyn Smith each contributed key baskets to help the Eagles build momentum.

The defense forced seven HIU turnovers in the opening period, setting the tone with active hands and strong rebounding.

The game flipped in the second quarter as the Eagles hit a cold stretch, shooting just 2-of-11 from the field while the Royals caught fire from deep, hitting 4 threes in the period.
HIU outscored the Eagles 20–8 to take a 34–28 lead into halftime.

Despite the tough quarter, Makenzie Alapai and Riley Morris-Rexford provided valuable minutes off the bench, combining for several key defensive plays.

Hope International continued to capitalize on second-chance opportunities and hot shooting, scoring 21 in the third and 21 more in the fourth to extend its lead.

Embry-Riddle fought throughout the half, with Jordyn Smith scoring six of her team-high 12 points in the third quarter while the Eagles battled on the boards. Smith and McBride combined for 23 points, and Morgan Evenson added 8 points and a team-high 6 rebounds.

The Eagles totaled 41 rebounds—including 16 offensive boards—but struggled to convert, shooting 28.3% from the field and 11.8% from three.

ERAU will return to Prescott for the final two games of the season as the Eagles host OUAZ on Thursday at 5pm in the Activity Center.