When injuries required another new starting lineup for the Hope College men's basketball team, the Flying Dutchmen embraced the challenge again.

Hope closed the first half of MIAA play with an 82-72 victory at Kalamazoo College on Wednesday and moved into sole possession of third place in the MIAA standings.

The Flying Dutchmen (11-7 overall, 5-2 MIAA) also extended their winning streak to a season-high four games.

"It's the classic next man-up mentality," head coach Greg Mitchell said. "It's so much easier said than done. Guys have opportunities, but they have to step up. Our guys have so much trust in each other. It doesn't faze them at all, no matter who we play. They believe in their guys. I have so much respect for this team for how they trust each other. That's how it needs to be."

Hope used its second different starting lineup in two games and seventh of the season at Kalamazoo.

Senior forward and reigning MIAA MVP Evan Thomas topped the Flying Dutchmen with a season-high 28 points.

Thomas (Okemos, Michigan / Okemos HS) scored 21 points after halftime to help Hope fend off the Hornets (3-15, 1-6 MIAA).

In 32 minutes, Thomas finished a perfect 100% from the foul line after sinking all 10 attempts.

"They guarded him really hard. He had to fight through a lot of contact," Mitchell said of Thomas. "He made some big jump shots. When you go 10-for-10, you make them play. That was the Evan of last year. We need every ounce of his leadership, his experience and composure. He was very good tonight."

Senior guard Clayton Dykhouse (Zeeland, Michigan / Zeeland East) chipped in 15 points.

Senior forward Harris Hawkins (Lexington, Kentucky / Henry Clay) contributed a career-high 12 points off the bench, doubling his previous best in the first half alone to spark the Flying Dutchmen to a 43-32 halftime lead.

Hawkins played a career-high 25 minutes.

"We don't win that game without him," Mitchell said. "He hadn't played more than five, six minutes consistently in his career. Twenty-five minutes, 5-of-7 shooting, seven rebounds, two assists. He was phenomenal."

Three other Flying Dutchmen scored seven points apiece: senior forward TJ McKenzie Jr. (North Muskegon, Michigan / North Muskegon), junior guard Eli Schoonveld (Zeeland, Michigan / Holland Christian) and freshman guard Marcus Wourman (East Lansing, Michigan / East Lansing).

For Kalamazoo, Josh Decker led the Hornets with 15 points. 

Hope's next game is Saturday, Jan. 28, at 5:15 p.m. vs. Albion College at DeVos Fieldhouse.