No. 9 Hope men's basketball fends off Adrian on the road

Guard Chad Carlson answered the call when the ninth-ranked Hope College men's basketball team needed him to play an entire game. The junior from Rockford, Michigan (Rockford HS) scored a career-high 17 points in 40 minutes to lead the Flying Dutchmen in a 76-73 win at Adrian on Wednesday.

Hope moved into sole possession of second place in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association standings after Albion lost to Olivet. The Flying Dutchmen (14-2 overall, 4-1 MIAA) stayed one game behind Alma, an overtime winner at Trine.

Carlson sank 5-of-8 3-pointers to lead a group of four Hope players in double figures. He passed his previous career high of 14 points set against Calvin on February 14, 2015 and Grace Bible on December 22, 2015.

Despite playing the entire game, Carlson was credited with a season-high five assists to just two turnovers.

Senior center Brock Benson of Willowbrook, Illinois (Hinsdale South HS) chipped in 13 points, including nine in the second half that helped the Flying Dutchmen fend off Adrian's rally from a 39-29 halftime deficit.

Senior guard Ben Gardner of Carmel, Indiana (Carmel HS) scored 11 points. Three of them came during four game-sealing, free-throw attempts during the final six minutes.

Junior forward Cody Stuive of Hudsonville, Michigan (Hudsonville HS) scored 10 points off the bench.

Hope returns to action on Saturday, Jan. 23 against Kalamazoo. Tipoff is 3 p.m. at DeVos Fieldhouse.