MEN’S BASKETBALL

The Huntington men’s basketball team continues to terrorize ranked opponents, and Friday night another Top-15 foe felt the pressure. Competing in the Cactus Classic hosted by Chandler-Gilbert Community College, the Foresters knocked off No. 13 Hope International, 89-82, at the Coyote Center.

The win marks Huntington’s third straight victory over a Top-15 team and its fifth win this season over a Top-20 opponent. With the victory, HU improves to 10-3, while the Royals slip to 9-2.

Miles Good took command early and never let go. After several lead changes in the opening minutes, the sophomore guard poured in eight straight points to give Huntington a 13-8 lead just five minutes into the contest – an advantage never to be surrendered.

Cade Brenner quickly added fuel to the fire, drilling back-to-back three-pointers to stretch the lead to double figures. Hope International continued to hang around, but the Royals never got closer than five points the rest of the night. Huntington carried a 50-37 advantage into halftime after shooting over 50 percent from the floor in the opening 20 minutes.

Good delivered a career night, erupting for a career-high 36 points on 8-for-13 shooting, including five triples. He was relentless attacking the rim, living at the free-throw line where he went 15-for-17, while also adding two assists and two steals.

Huntington’s efficiency at the charity stripe proved decisive. Despite both teams shooting better than 50 percent from the field and combining for just 17 turnovers, the Foresters separated themselves by knocking down 31 of 37 free throws (83.8%), compared to Hope’s 8-for-14 (57.1%).

The Foresters featured strong balance behind Good’s scoring outburst. Jackson Paul added 18 points, five assists and hit 7-of-9 from the line. Kaden Johnson recorded a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Keylane Lasisi chipped in eight points and four rebounds.

As a team, Huntington shot 51.1 percent from the floor and 47.6 percent from three-point range, continuing its stretch of elite offensive execution against top-tier competition.

Hope International was led by Aman Haynes, who poured in 22 points off the bench on 10-for-13 shooting. Nick Hopkins added 18 points, while Jorren Edmonds contributed 15 points and six rebounds in the loss.

Friday’s win wraps up the pre-Christmas portion of Huntington’s schedule. Coach Jauch and his Foresters return to action New Year’s Eve, hosting Lawrence Tech at 3:00 p.m. at Platt Arena.