The Hope College men's basketball team delivered a defensive performance in The Rivalry not seen against Calvin University in a long, long time. Post-World War II in fact.

The Flying Dutchmen defeated the fourth-ranked Knights, 59-42, on Saturday at DeVos Fieldhouse. It marked Calvin's lowest point total in The Rivalry since 1948 when Hope won, 55-42.

Hope (14-5, 6-2 MIAA) led the 212nd game in The Rivalry from the opening tip to pull into a second-place tie with Calvin in the MIAA standings. Both teams trail idle Trine University by 1 ½ games. Trine plays Adrian College on Sunday, Jan. 28, at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.

Head coach Greg Mitchell loved how the Flying Dutchmen flipped the script from a 69-61 loss at Calvin on January 17. Hope never led and fell behind 10-2 in the first five minutes at Van Noord Arena.

On Saturday, the Flying Dutchmen jumped to an 11-0 lead in the opening 3 ½ minutes. Calvin (16-3, 6-2 MIAA) never got closer than five points.

"It was a big deal," Mitchell said of his team's start. "We know at their place we just did not throw the first punch. We left too many things out there to chance. You don't win a game in the first five minutes but you can establish yourself. We established our demeanor."

Hope limited the Knights to 25.5% field-goal shooting for the game (13-51) and 20% from the 3-point line (4-20). Calvin also finished 50% at the free-throw line (12-24).

The Flying Dutchmen held a 37-27 halftime lead while shooting 50% from the field (16-32). Hope cooled from the field in the second half and finished at 42.1% (24-57). 

"Everything felt more polished," leading scorer Marcus Wourman said after the Flying Dutchmen pushed their lead in The Rivalry back to eight games at 110-102. "We knew where we were on the floor and connected better."

Wourman (East Lansing, Michigan / East Lansing HS) totaled a game-high 13 points from 50% shooting from the field (6-12)). The sophomore guard also dished out two assists.

Forward Marcus Bult topped Calvin with 12 points. All-American center Jalen Overway grabbed a game-high 16 rebounds for the Knights but totaled just seven points. It marked just the second time in 45 career games Overway did not score in double figures.

In his past two games, Overway scored 32 points vs. Trine and 42 in a winning effort against Alma College.

"I thought we were in a better anticipation mode. We have so much respect for him," Mitchell said of his team's defense against an elite post player in Overway. "I thought we were ready early, then you have to execute. I give [Gabe Quillan and Devin Cheaney] loads of credit because I thought they played harder earlier before he caught the ball. I thought he caught it in a less advantageous position which makes it easier to double him.

"We were dialed in. We were so focused. These guys are so coachable. When they execute, it's a beautiful thing." 

Quillan (Ada, Michigan / Grand Rapids Christian) chipped in a double-double of 12 points and a team-high 12 rebounds. The Flying Dutchmen finished with a plus-five edge on the boards.

Senior forward Tanner Wiegerink (Holland, Michigan / West Ottawa) added 10 points for Hope.

Senior guard Clayton Dykhouse (Zeeland, Michigan / Zeeland East) collected nine points and two assists.

Freshman forward Parker Hovey (Shelby, Michigan / Hart) stuffed the stat sheet with eight points, eight rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal.

"I knew I wanted to play better and be more physical," Hovey said. "It was a huge win. We are focused on not letting the success get to us and keep working."

Hope's next game is at Trine on Wednesday, Jan. 31, at 7:30 p.m. The Flying Dutchmen are looking to avenge an 85-70 loss to Trine on January 20 at DeVos Fieldhouse.