ANCASTER, ON.  Royals Basketball returned to the Redeemer Athletic Centre Thursday night. The Royals (2-6)  hosted the Fanshawe Falcons (5-4) for a crucial OCAA West matchup. Last time the two squads faced off, the Falcons secured a 69-54 victory on home court. The Royals need to snatch a few more victories this semester as they attempt to improve their playoff position.

Redeemer opened the first quarter establishing an early lead. The Royals held a 7-2 lead halfway through the opening quarter. A large factor in the Royals' early success was thanks to Talia Vreugdenhil. The third-year forward recorded six points in the first frame of action. 

The Falcons settled in the match and climbed back into the game. Finishing the first quarter with a 13-9 lead. 

Fanshawe's full-court press began to reap its rewards in the second quarter as they quickly grew their lead. Redeemer's pace was pushed by the Falcons press and the Royals were unable to establish their offensive rhythm. 

The second quarter was all Falcons. Fanshawe continued to capitalize on their press and outscored the Royals 19-12 and grew their lead to 11. 

At the half, Fanshawe led the Royals by a score of 32-21.

As the two sides returned to the court in the second half, Fanshawe continued to push the pace of the match. Fanshawe added five more to their lead to end the third quarter with a 50-34 lead.

With one quarter remaining the Royals were not going down without a fight. Redeemer began to chip away at the Falcon lead. Nearing the final minutes of action Redeemer managed to make it an eight-point game but ultimately came up short. 

Fanshawe left the den with a 60-54 win over the Royals.

The Royals fall to 2-7 while the Falcons improve to 6-4. Redeemer's next match is January 15th when they host the Conestoga Condors (1-9). Wednesday's match will be pivotal in the Royals playoff hunt. A head-to-head win over the Condors will give the Royals much-needed separation in the OCAA West standings.