Center Brock Benson made up for lost time in the waning minutes at Albion on Saturday. The senior from Willowbrook, Illinois (Hinsdale South HS) delivered several key plays late to secure a 74-66 win that firmly entrenched the eighth-ranked Hope College men's basketball team among the two teams vying from for the league championship.
Benson's four made throws, one blocked shot and one defensive rebound during the final 1 ½ minutes kept the Flying Dutchmen ahead.
Hope (17-2 overall) improved to 7-1 in Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play and stayed one game behind first-place Alma, an 85-80 winner over Kalamazoo Saturday. The Flying Dutchmen are three games ahead of three teams tied for third place: Albion, Adrian and Trine.
Benson played 17 minutes during the second half after early foul trouble limited him to seven minutes before halftime. He finished with nine points, four blocks, four assists and four rebounds.
Albion (9-10, 4-4 MIAA) otherwise dominated the post with 34 points in the paint to Hope's 14.
The Flying Dutchmen made up the difference on the perimeter by matching their season-high with 12 3-pointers as a team. They shot 50 percent from 3-point range.
Senior guard Ben Gardner of Carmel, Indiana (Carmel HS) shared team-high honors with three 3-pointers made. He finished with a career-high 25 points.
Gardner averaged 24 points in two Hope wins this week. He now has 1,178 career points, good for 22nd all-time among Flying Dutchmen players.
Sophomore guard Dante Hawkins of Holland, Michigan (Holland HS) chipped in 15 points with three 3-pointers.
Junior guard Chad Carlson of Rockford, Michigan (Rockford HS) joined Benson with nine points. Seniors guards Alex Eidson of Grand Haven, Michigan (Grand Haven HS) and Sam Otto ofWheaton, Illinois (Wheaton North HS) contributed eight points and two 3-pointers apiece.
The game featured 11 tie scores and 10 lead changes, including six lead changes during the second half.
Hope returns to action on Wednesday, Feb. 3 when the Flying Dutchmen host Olivet at 8 p.m. for the 10th anniversary celebration of DeVos Fieldhouse. Fans are encouraged to wear orange.