The fourth-ranked Hope College men's basketball team responded to a frustrating loss with a determined effort at home.
The Flying Dutchmen earned a 74-51 win over Trine Saturday night in a matchup of 12-win teams.
The fewest points allowed this season at DeVos Fieldhouse enabled Hope to remain in a second-place tie in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association standings.
Senior guard Ben Gardner of Carmel, Indiana (Carmel HS) led a balanced Flying Dutchmen with 16 points. He said he was energized after Wednesday's loss at MIAA leader Alma.
"We got our butts kicked on Wednesday, so we wanted to come out and really try to step up and reach our potential," Gardner said. "Our focus was to play together defensively and have our defense lead to easy offense. That is what we pride ourselves on."
Hope is now 13-2 overall and 3-1 in MIAA play. The Flying Dutchmen share second place with Albion. Both trail Alma by one game after Alma won at Calvin Saturday for the first time since 1999.
Gardner scored 14 points during the second half alone to help Hope break open a close game.
The Flying Dutchmen led 25-17 at halftime after challenging their record for fewest points allowed in a half at DeVos Fieldhouse. Hope yielded points 15 to Adrian in the first half of a 2006 victory.
Trine (12-3, 2-2 MIAA) was held without a field goal for the final 5 minute, 39 seconds of the first half and the first 6:08 of the second half.
Junior forward Harrison Blackledge of Canton, Ohio (Hoover HS) scored 15 points for the Flying Dutchmen and grabbed seven rebounds in first start in seven games. Blackledge sank three of Hope's nine 3-pointers.
Senior center Brock Benson of Willowbrook, Illinois (Hinsdale South HS) chipped 11 points and seven rebounds.
Senior forward Sam Otto of Wheaton, Illinois (Wheaton North HS) added 10 points off the bench.
Senior guard Chad Carlson of Rockford, Michigan (Rockford HS) netted nine points — all on 3-pointers — in his first start of the season.
Hope returns to action on Wednesday, Jan. 20 at Adrian.
