Riverside, Calif. - The men's basketball team were finally able to play on their home court after playing the first month of the season on the road. The team was also looking to get back into the win column, with the tough task of hosting the number seven-ranked team in the nation (NAIA Division I), in Hope International University. The Golden Eagles fell to the Royals in their season opener, back on November 5, and were unable to avoid the season sweep by falling to Hope, 72-56 in tonight's match-up.

The loss dropped the Golden Eagles to 1-6 on the season, with only five non-conference games remaining before their conference opener (vs Embry-Riddle) on January 7.

The team was unable to dig themselves out of an early hole, as the Royals jumped out to a 9-0 advantage and never looked back. By the halftime break, Hope increased their lead to 36-22, but the Golden Eagles responded with some fight in the second half. The Royals, pushing back any thought of a comeback, quickly answered a couple of La Sierra runs in the second half.

While the Golden Eagles were able to contain the Royals from the perimeter, Hope used their size advantage to control play in the paint. Post player Tuff Barnes led the Royals with 18 points, while teammate Garrett Neilan notched a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebonds.

Andre Marquez who finished with 18 points and five assists led the Golden Eagles. Lance Jones contributed 14 points and six rebounds on 5-of-8 shooting, including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. Guard Nicholas Culver also scored in double-figures with 10 points, shooting 4-of-7 from the field.

The team will take a short break for final exams before jumping back into action. La Sierra will travel to Vanguard University, next Saturday night, to face a Lions squad who is off to a 7-0 start.