Double wins for Hope on home ground

THIS ONE’S FOR YOU — The games on Saturday were dedicated to those receiving help from the Van Andel institute. All proceeds went to those families and friends of the College. (Stephen Binnig)

Men’s, women’s basketball successfully secure weekend victories over Albion, Alma

This Saturday, both the men and women’s basketball teams played Alma and Albion Colleges, respectively at home. The women played at 3:00 p.m. while the men played at 7:30 p.m. in the evening.

Both teams dawned on the purple jerseys in honor of the family and friends benefiting from the Van Andel Institute.

Women’s basketball
The team, ranked sixth improved to an 18-2 record with the win over Alma. Coming off a previous loss, the Flying Dutch finished this game with a victory of 83-65. Hope was led in scoring by Center Francesca Buchanan (’19), who capped off the night with 22 points. The center also led the whole game in rebounds, with a total of six in the game. Forward Madison Geers (’18) also chipped in 16 points for the team. Guard Angelique Gaddy (’17) led the entire game with eight assists. The team came out strong and never trailed during the game, establishing their dominance with a 13-4 lead in the first four minutes of the game.

Hope shot at 46.7 percent compared to Alma’s 39 percent. The Flying Dutch were out-rebounded by Alma. The away team had a total of 36 compared to Hope’s 33. Hope had the upper hand by one in the assist column with 19 compared to Alma’s 18.

The Flying Dutch face off in a rivalry game against Calvin, on Feb. 1, where they will look to improve their record to 19-2, on away ground.

Men’s basketball
The Flying Dutchmen went head to head against Albion in a scrappy, physical game, which resulted in a Hope College Victory. Hope went in to halftime trailing by 11 points but turned the game around for a win in the end. The game ended 82-70. They now sit at a comfortable 15-4 overall record. They have an 8-0 one, MIAA.

Scoring was led by Forward Harrison Blackledge (’17) who finished the night with a total of 29 points, the most on both teams. Forward Cody Stuive (’17) led both teams in rebounds, grabbing a total of 13. Guards,Chad Carlson (’17) and Dante Hawkins (’17) each had five assists for the game.

Hope shot excellently from the field at 51.9 percent compared to Albion’s 45.1 percent. Hope trailed to Albion in the rebounding category with 26 to 34. The Flying Dutch tallied 15 assists in the game compared to Albion’s 10.

The Flying Dutchmen face up against Olivet College on Feb. 1, where they hope to improve their record in an away game.