Hope Men's Basketball Drops MIAA Showdown At Alma

The Hope College men's basketball team could not summon another memorable comeback this time.

The fourth-ranked Flying Dutchmen fell at Alma 86-75 on Wednesday in a battle for the outright Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association lead.

Hope (12-2 overall) previously had rallied from double-digit deficits in four games this season to win.

The end of a nine-game win streak dropped the Flying Dutchmen to 2-1 in MIAA play. Hope is tied for second place with Albion, Calvin and Trine.

Senior guard Ben Gardner of Carmel, Indiana (Carmel HS) scored 16 points to lead the Flying Dutchmen.

Senior forward Sam Otto of Wheaton, Illinois (Wheaton North HS) added 14 points.

Senior center Brock Benson of Willowbrook, Illinois (Hinsdale South HS) and junior forward Harrison Blackledge of Canton, Ohio (Hoover HS) chipped in 11 points apiece.

Alma (10-4 overall, 3-0 MIAA) extended its home win streak to 11 games by shooting 59.6 percent from the field, hitting 34-of-57 attempts.

Hope returns to action on Saturday, Jan. 16. The Flying Dutchmen host Trine at 7:30 p.m. at DeVos Fieldhouse.