The Hope College men's basketball team forged its way into a four-way tie for first place in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association standings Saturday with help from guard Riley Lewis as well as from Alma College.
Lewis delivered a team-high 23 points and the game-clinching steal in the closing seconds of an 87-84 Flying Dutchmen victory against Olivet College on Saturday at DeVos Fieldhouse.
Later Saturday, Alma topped visiting Adrian 73-66 to put Hope, Adrian, Olivet, and Trine atop the MIAA standings with 4-2 league records. Alma is one game back in fifth place. The first half of MIAA play wraps up Wednesday.
The Flying Dutchmen (10-7 overall) did their part by overcoming an 11-point deficit with 12:20 remaining.
Video: Post-game interview with Greg Mitchell and Riley Lewis | 1st Half Highlights | 2nd Half Highlights
Harrison Blackledge, 2017 Jostens Trophy recipient, honored in pre-game ceremony
Lewis led the charge off the bench as he nearly matched his season- and career-highs of 26 points.
The sophomore from Williamston, Michigan (Williamston) scored 20 points after halftime while shooting 60 percent from the field (6-10), including 67 percent from 3-point range (4-6), and 100 percent from the foul line (4-4).