Brock Benson and the nationally ranked Hope College men's basketball team happily sweated out a 68-65 win against Albion on Wednesday to open Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play.

The Flying Dutchmen overcame not leading for 38 of 40 minutes to raise their overall record to 11-1 with their eighth consecutive victory.

Hope outscored Albion (5-7) by a 21-10 margin over the final 7 minutes, 19 seconds.

Benson gave the Flying Dutchmen the lead for good with two free throws with 23 seconds remaining. Hope had trailed since 3:44 into the first half.

The senior from Willowbrook, Illinois (Hinsdale South HS) added two more foul shots with two seconds remaining to finish with a team-high 17 points.

Benson scored 10 points during Hope's game-winning run.

Senior guard Ben Gardner of Carmel, Indiana (Carmel HS) added 14 points.

Junior guard Chad Carlson of Rockford, Michigan (Rockford HS) netted 12 points, all in the second half.

The Flying Dutchmen helped their comeback by going 13-of-15 from the foul line after halftime.

Hope is ranked third in this week's D3Hoops.com poll.

The Flying Dutchmen return to action on Saturday, Jan. 9 at Olivet. Tipoff is 3 p.m.