Third-seeded Hope International narrowly defeated Indiana Wesleyan 71-65 in the NAIA Men's Basketball Tournament Round of 16. Despite leading by 16 points, HIU faced a late-game push from IWU, who cut the lead to just two points. Key moments included a crucial three-pointer by Addy G'Bye and a turnover forced by the Royals that sealed the victory. HIU's performance marked their first quarterfinal advancement since 2015, setting up a matchup against Benedictine Mesa.

By the Numbers
  • HIU shot 53.8% from the field in the second half (14 of 26).
  • Indiana Wesleyan was held to just 65 points, 17 points below their season average of 82.5.
State of Play
  • HIU led 9-0 early, capitalizing on IWU's turnovers.
  • The Wildcats closed the gap to two points in the final minute before HIU鈥檚 late basket secured the win.
What's Next

Hope International will face Benedictine Mesa in the NAIA Quarterfinals on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. (PT). They will look to leverage their recent momentum against a familiar opponent.

Bottom Line

HIU's balanced offensive performance and late-game execution highlight their potential as they advance in the tournament. Their ability to maintain composure under pressure will be crucial in the next round.