Benedictine Mesa Men's Basketball opened strong but couldn't sustain momentum in an
83–66 loss to
Hope International on Saturday.
The Redhawks came out aggressive, scoring the first six points of the game behind early baskets from
Damian Zivak,
Isaiah Howard, and
Kamron Robinson. Benedictine Mesa set the tone defensively in the opening minutes, forcing tough shots and controlling the glass to establish an early edge.
The first half turned into a physical, back-and-forth contest.
Eric Blackwell provided a spark offensively with multiple three-pointers, while
Antione Anderson Jr. and
Luis Marin contributed timely scoring and energy off the bench. Despite solid defensive stretches and strong rebounding, the Redhawks struggled to convert on several second-chance opportunities late in the half. Hope International capitalized down the stretch, building a
40–29 halftime lead.
Benedictine Mesa showed resilience coming out of the break.
Howard knocked down a three-pointer early in the second half, and Zivak continued to attack the basket as the Redhawks attempted to cut into the deficit. However, turnovers and defensive lapses allowed Hope International to answer each run and maintain control.
Midway through the second half, Hope International extended the margin with transition scoring and perimeter shooting. Benedictine Mesa continued to compete, getting contributions from
Malik Payton,
Blackwell, and
Zivak, but was unable to string together a sustained run.
The Redhawks closed the game by giving valuable minutes to their bench, with
Jayden Standifer converting a late basket, but the early second-half surge by Hope International proved too much to overcome.
Key Performers
Looking Ahead
The Redhawks return to the court on Saturday, February 14
th as they take on OUAZ on the road.
