The NAIA sixth-ranked Westmont men’s basketball team lost its regular season finale, 96-87, at Hope International (20-10, 9-9).
The Warriors (26-4, 15-3 GSAC), who already clinched the GSAC regular season title, were down two starters because of injury and began the game with three freshmen on the court, the youngest lineup the team has started a game with this season. They used only three subs, one of whom, Tristan Lloyd, was limited to just nine minutes after going down with an injury of his own.
“I thought we really battled,” Westmont head coach John Moore said. “We left everything out on the floor. It was hard being a couple men down, with Tristan going down, but particularly Hunter Sipe who is the anchor of our defense.”
Moore highlighted the play of Solomon Davis, who recorded his first collegiate start, and Gyse Hulsebosch.
“Solomon Davis gave us some really good minutes and so did Gyse Hulsebosch,” Moore said. “I thought Gyse and Solomon played about as well as they could. Once Solomon got his sea legs out from under him, he had a really nice second half and played with great confidence. He did some outstanding things.
“Gyse shot seven from eight from the 3-point line and shot with outstanding confidence.”
Hulsebsoch recorded a season-high 23 points while Davis added a career high 15 points. Abram Carrasco (19 points) and Jared Brown (14 points) also scored in double figures.
Hope International, now winners of five straight, shot 58.6% from the field and 55.6% from behind the arc in the first half to take a 45-33 lead going into halftime. Those 45 points are the most the Warriors have conceded in a first half in GSAC play since Westmont’s conference opener at OUAZ (Ariz.).
Despite the loss, Westmont will still host the GSAC Tournament this week, Thursday through Saturday, as the GSAC regular season champion.
“We’re looking forward to what we have next, hosting the tournament,” Moore said. “Our guys are ready for that and they will be resilient.”