TJ McKenzie exemplified the relentless and opportunistic defense the Hope College men's basketball team used to earn a 74-51 victory against visiting Adrian College on Wednesday.

The senior from Muskegon, Michigan (North Muskegon HS) recorded a career-high five steals in 14 minutes off the bench as the Flying Dutchmen posted their defensive effort against the Bulldogs in nine years.

Hope finished with 13 steals as a team, including at least one from eight players. It marked the fourth time this season the Flying Dutchmen collected double-digit steals..

"I saw a focused senior," head coach Greg Mitchell said of McKenzie. "The last few weeks he's been trying to do what we need him to do. He's trying to go downhill more, use his mass (and) get to the rim. When he's able to do that, it helps him lock defensively. 

"TJ is just a high-level competitor. He's got to keep focus and he can be pretty elite. I thought he changed the game in the first half from a little close to breathing room."

The Flying Dutchmen improved to 16-6 overall and a third-place 8-3 in MIAA play after sweeping the season series with Adrian.

Hope remained in contention for the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye with three regular-season games remaining. 

The next two games are at home for the Flying Dutchmen as well, including Senior Day on Saturday, Feb. 10, at 3 p.m. against Alma College at DeVos Fieldhouse.

Hope held Adrian, which entered the game tied for fourth in the MIAA standings, to 32.1% field-goal shootings. The Bulldogs had six shots blocked and committed 16 turnovers.

"It was all defensive engagement and making it really tough for them," Mitchell said. "Thirteen steals, that's an unreal number. We were poking and guarding hard. Our rim protection was exceptional. We're going to play as long as we defend."

Offensively, the Flying Dutchmen scored 14 points off of turnovers, which led to a 44-16 edge in points in the paint. Hope shot 46.8% from the field despite shooting 19.2% from 3-point range (5-26).

Junior center Gabe Quillan (Ada, Michigan / Grand Rapids Catholic Central) and sophomore guard Marcus Wourman (East Lansing, Michigan) shared team-high scoring honors with 10 points apiece. Quillan also grabbed a game-high nine rebounds and blocked two shots.

Senior forward Tanner Wiegerink (Holland, Michigan / West Ottawa) and McKenzie chipped in nine points apiece. Wiegerink also blocked two shots.

Senior guard Clayton Dykhouse (Zeeland, Michigan / Zeeland East) added eight points and a game-high four assists.

Adrian (6-16, 4-7 MIAA) received 10 points apiece from Kendall Chrismon and Nick Seifert.