ALBION, Mich. – Albion gave its most complete effort of the season Wednesday night and it was rewarded with a 67-49 victory over Hope.

"We're a really good team when we really defend, crash the defensive boards and move the ball offensively," Albion Coach Jody May said.

Albion, 8-6 overall, forged a tie with Calvin, Hope, and Trine atop the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association standings. All four teams boast a 2-1 record against league rivals.

For the Britons, the victory provided a decisive response after taking a two-point loss to Alma in its last home game. Albion has come up short in four games decided by three points or less this season.

"This is a resilient team," May said. "We've lost a lot of close games. I didn't want to leave any doubt tonight."

Albion ripped off a 14-0 run over a four-minute stretch of the first half to seize control. Dakota Kazen, who finished with a career-high 17 points, sparked the rally with a pair of three-point baskets. Lawrence Ridgell tacked on the next five points with a couple of baskets in the lane and a free throw.

Albion led 31-18 with three minutes left in the first half and Hope never mounted a comeback. The closest Hope would get was 31-22 with a shade less than two minutes left in the first half.

"We guarded the point guard full court and that slowed them down," May said.

Jordan Herron and Ridgell produced four points apiece as Albion started the second half on an 8-2 spurt to extend the margin to 43-24 with 16 minutes to play. The Britons led by as many as 25 before settling for the 18-point victory.

Ridgell knocked down 8-of-15 shots to lead all players with 18 points. Herron contributed 14, but no other Albion player added more than six.

Brock Benson was the only Hope player to reach double figures, finishing with 14.

Albion will play its next two games on the road, starting with a Saturday trip to Adrian.