Fullerton, CA- In a game where Arizona Christian made more shots from the field, Thursday's push for the playoffs against Hope International came down to free throws as the Royals held off the Firestorm 68-65.  Senior Madison Austin delivered 17 points and 10 rebounds.

The first four points of the game resulted in a lead change and tie and established the type of game HIU and ACU were in for on the evening.

With 2:37 to play in the first period and the score tied at 9-9, Freshman Makayla Enders dropped in a jumper for an 11-9 ACU lead.  The Firestorm (13-15, 5-10) remained in front through the end of the period holding a 16-11 edge.

Building as large as a six point lead numerous times, ACU held on to the lead for the entire second period.

At the half, Freshman Courtney Christmas scored a half high of eight points as Arizona Christian found themselves up 25-23.

But the Royals (13-11, 6-9 GSAC) answered in the third period.  After HIU took a brief lead, Christmas tied the game again at 34-34.  Hope International responded with a 6-0 run to take the lead all the way until the last three minutes of the contest.

Down 64-57, Senior Jazmin Mays drilled her lone three pointer of the night followed by a three ball for Austin- her third of the evening.  Freshman Moana Hala'ufia converted a two pointer to cap an 8-0 ACU run and give them a brief 65-64 advantage with 78 seconds to play.

But the Firestorm would not score again on the night missing their final three shots while the Royals made four of their six free throws in the final 45 seconds to grab the win and lock in their GSAC playoff birth.

Speaking of playoff births, the Firestorm now face a must win game at #8 Vanguard on Saturday to continue their season into at least the following week.  The standings show ACU in the seventh spot but a win on Saturday would tie them with William Jessup for sixth and the Firestorm hold the first tie break by virtue of sweeping the Warriors during the season.  Oddly enough if ACU can win on Saturday, their opponent in the first round would be Vanguard once again on the neutral court of Hope International the next Friday.

Austin's 12 second half points (and 17 overall) was not quite enough.  She reached double-double status with her 10 rebounds- her third double up of the season.

Christmas and Enders ended with 11 points each.  Mays accounted for 10 points.

Overall, the Firestorm made 25 field goals to 22 makes for the Royals but HIU made 20 free throws (on 31 attempts) versus 11-13 free throw shooting for ACU.

On Saturday, the Firestorm will head to Costa Mesa for their showdown with Vanguard at The Pit.  The women will tip-off at 3:00 pm (AT)/ 2:00 pm (PT).