A sizzling first half cooked up a savory Thanksgiving finale for the Hope College men's basketball team.

The Flying Dutchmen shot 61.8% before halftime and devoured Concordia University (Wis.) in a 96-49 victory on Saturday at DeVos Fieldhouse.

Hope won both games of its Thanksgiving Classic and served up a 3-0 start to the season. On Friday, the Flying Dutchmen defeated Wilmington College (Ohio), 92-68.

"We knew they were a team that reacts to north-and-south plays. We talked with our guys that as long as we attract, there would be the opportunity for kickouts. We shot it well," head coach Greg Mitchell said. "To see the scouting report on the floor was satisfying. I thought the ball moved really well."

The Flying Dutchmen never trailed after jumping to an 8-0 lead. A Tanner Wiegerink layup, Josh Decker jumper and a Wiegerink 3 propelled into command 1 minute, 53 seconds into the game.

Concordia, which hung tough at 10th-ranked Calvin University before falling, 73-65, on Friday, never pulled back within three points.

A hearty helping of 3-pointers — nine in the first half alone — set the table for the Flying Dutchmen's 53-29 halftime lead.

Hope tightened up defensively in the second half and held Concordia (0-5) to just 20 second-half points. The Falcons shot just 31.4% for the game, including 11.8% from 3-point range (2-17).

"As much as we liked the offensive performance in the first half, I thought our defensive engagement and the pressure on the ball was better in the second half," Mitchell said. "I thought we guided the ball really hard. I think they run some really good stuff. On film, they're hard to guard. We felt if we pressured the ball that would be a good way to disrupt them. I thought it did."

Forward Ben Wagar (Harbor Springs, Michigan / Petoskey HS) topped the Flying Dutchmen with a career-high 15 points.

The junior did not miss a shot, sinking all five field-goal attempts, including three 3-pointers, and both foul shots.

Three teammates joined Wagar in double figures.

Sophomore guard Justice Mims (Rochester Hills, Michigan / Rochester Adams) netted 15 points one day after scoring a career-high 16 against Wilmington.

Decker (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio / Woodrige and sophomore guard Lansing, Michigan / East Lansing) chipped in 12 points apiece4.

Wourman also recorded a game-high six assists. 

The Flying Dutchmen finished the game shooting 51.6 percent from the field (33-64) and 53.6% from 3-point range (15-28).

The 15 3-pointers are the most Hope's made in a game since 16 at Kalamazoo College on February 27, 2021, during an 82-62 Flying Dutchmen victory.

Hope returns to action on Tuesday, November 28, at 7 p.m. at DeVos Fieldhouse against Hanover College (Ind.).