Fullerton, CA- On Thursday, Arizona Christian jumped out to an early lead and controlled most of the first half before falling 68-58 at Hope International.  Junior Omari Lewis exploded for an ACU career high 13 points.

The Firestorm (12-4, 0-4 GSAC) turned their first two opportunities into four points on baskets from Senior Chris Sterling and Lewis.   ACU made two of their next three shots- one from Lewis and Sophomore Patson Siame- to grab an 8-0 edge just over two minutes into the game.

About three minutes later, Sterling nailed a three ball and Arizona Christian moved out to a 16-5 lead.

With five minutes remaining in the first half, the Firestorm had remained in front the whole way.  But then the Royals (13-5, 3-2 GSAC) tied the score at 27-27.  HIU outscored ACU 8-5 to close out the half for the 35-32 halftime advantage.

Lewis had the hot hand with 11 points in the first 20 minutes.  Sterling was right behind at 10 points.

Down five with 17:42 to play, Sterling scored five points including a three pointer to send the Firestorm on a 7-1 run and move ACU ahead 42-41 with 14:28 left in the contest.

Unfortunately, that was the final time ACU would see the top side of the scoreboard.

At game's end, Lewis, who had scored just 11 points combined in his first six games, accounted for 13 points in his first start of the season.  Sterling topped the Firestorm with 19 points.  Siame contributed 10 rebounds.

The loss dropped Arizona Christian to 0-4 in GSAC play and already two games behind the sixth spot in the race for the playoffs.

But the Firestorm still have 12 GSAC games remaining to dig out of the hole.  They will begin that quest on Saturday as they head to Vanguard for a 4:00 pm PT/ 5:00 pm AT first tip.