Royals dethroned

Archer helps lift Eagles to GSAC Tournament championship win over Royals.

Kyle Kohner, Writer

Star junior guard and the GSAC Player of the year Dakari Archer scores 24 points and the Eagles defense remains dominant in a Golden State Athletic Conference Championship win over the Royals.

Biola got off to another fast start within the first five minutes of the game, pulling ahead quickly on an 8-1 run. The first points off the game came on two straight threes, including one from Archer.  

Despite the quick start, the Royals came screaming back to take the lead 15-13 with 10 minutes to go in the first half. The rest of the half would go back and forth between two of the top 10 nationally ranked teams. Ultimately, the Eagles would take the lead at the half 28-26 on an Archer mid-range jumper.

In the second half, much of the same back and forth play prevailed. The Royals would tie the game several times. However, the Biola defense would not allow the Royals’ offense to take the lead once for the rest of the way.

Biola was dominant in the paint, grabbing 40 boards compared to Hope’s 31. Senior guards Caelan Tiongson and Terrell Funches led the way in the rebounding department with seven and nine  boards respectively.

With the win, Biola obtained an automatic bid for the NAIA National Championships. Nationals will begin March 16 and the Eagles’ next opponent has yet to be determined.

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