ALBION, Mich. – Albion College had five players score in double figures as it took down the Hope College squad that came into Kresge Gymnasium with a share of first place in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association, 86-68.

Albion held Hope to its second-lowest scoring output of the season in gaining its first home victory over the Flying Dutchmen since 2010.

"It's a credit to the guys because we have gone through some struggles this year," Albion head coach Jody May said. "I credit our three seniors for hanging with it. Tonight was a benefit of those guys doing the right thing and they continue to believe.

"It took us a while to score, but the game was never too far away," May added. "We've learned from our experiences. When that's happened in the past to us, we would put our heads down because we weren't scoring and forget to play defense. It didn't happen tonight because we stuck to it defensively and didn't give them many easy shots."

Ryan Lowe led Albion on a 6-0 run as the Britons built a 22-17 lead and never trailed again.

The Britons maintained a 35-30 lead at halftime.

Jaylin Fordham hit a pair of three-point baskets as Albion extended the margin to double digits, 41-30, and it steadily pulled away. The Britons hit 7-of-11 shots from three-point range in the second half as they never let Hope get close.

Quinton Armstrong matched his career-high with 19 points and he stuffed the box score with six rebounds and four blocks.

Lowe produced 14 off the bench, knocking down 5-of-7 shots from the field. He also pulled down six rebounds.

Fordham finished with 13 and Nathaniel Collins and Juwan Perry added 10 apiece.

Hope's Dante Hawkins led all players with 24 points.

The Britons finished the first round of MIAA play at 3-4 and sit one game behind Hope in the chase for the final MIAA Tournament berth. Albion plays at home against at 3 o'clock Saturday against Olivet College.

Follow the Britons on Twitter: @AlbionMBB