GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Calvin men's basketball team continued its pattern of strong defense and unselfish offensive play in a 98-56 thrashing of Anderson University, IN. The Knights avenged a 73-60 loss at Anderson a season ago.
Calvin got out to a 12-7 lead in the first four minutes. Senior Tom Snikkers (Hudsonville/Unity Christian) had Calvin's first six points. Junior Tyler Kruis (Grandville/Calvin Christian) followed up with an emphatic dunk. The Knights proceeded to go on a 12-0 run, and take a 24-7 lead; all but putting the game out of reach.
"I was happy with how we came out tonight," Calvin head coach Kevin Vande Streek said after the match. "We played excellent defense from the get go, and ran the floor well."
Calvin shot 62.5 percent in the first half, while holding the Ravens to a mere 25 percent from the floor en route to a 54-20 halftime lead.
Calvin started the second half on an 11-0 run. Anderson, who is under the direction of first year head coach Owen Handy, never got within 40 points. Everyone who dressed earned double-digit minutes for the Knights.
Calvin was very balanced on offense. The Knights shot 58.3 percent from the field. Sophomore Jordan Brink (Dyer, IN/Illiana Christian) led the Knights with 13 points on six of seven shooting. Senior Bryan Powell (Wyoming/Wyoming Park) and Kruis had 11 points apiece. Matt De Boer (Hudsonville/Covenant Christian) was the fourth Knight scoring in double figures with ten points.
Anderson was led in defeat by lone senior Phil Logan (Indianapolis, IN/Pike) with 15 points.
Calvin (3-0) has scored at least 80 points in all three games while holding opponents to under 60.
"We were able to score in transition," said Vande Streek. "Our defensive system is complicated. It's nice to have experience on the court so we don't have as many glaring miscues on defense."
Calvin will play in the Grand Rapids Hall of Fame Classic over Thanksgiving weekend hosted by Hope College. Calvin will play two familiar NAIA foes in Aquinas on Friday and Cornerstone on Saturday.