LAKE WALES, Fla. – The Royals and Racers met for the first ever time in the school's history on the basketball court. Despite some strong efforts by the Royals late in the game, the Racers came away with a 52-59 victory.
 
The Royals fought their way back from almost a 10 point deficit in the first half on a couple of key turnovers late in the second quarter. The first half finished with a 22-26 Racers lead.
 
The Racers added 17 in the third quarter and held the Royals to just 7 holding a 27-43 lead. The Royals mounted a huge fourth quarter charge as Shelby Gard nailed 4-4 from beyond the arc. Isabel Morales also added a 3-pointer and was joined in the efforts of several others to give the Royals 23 points in the fourth. The Royals clawed back but fell short of the Racers 52-59.
 
Three Royals finished the night with double digits. Troi Grant had 14-points with 7 rebounds and 8 assists along with 3 steals. Shelby Gard finished 5-8 from the field hitting 4-7 from beyond the arc for a 14-point night. D'Asia James put up 11-points with 7 rebounds and also finished the night with 2 blocks.
 
The Royals are back in action on Friday night as they welcome Truett-McConnell University into the Turner Athletic Center at 5:30 p.m.