Preparation, toughness and execution propelled the Hope College men's basketball team to a much-needed and satisfying victory against seventh-ranked Trine University on Wednesday.

The Flying Dutchmen banded together to knock off the defending NCAA Division III national champions, 79-71, at DeVos Fieldhouse and end a four-game losing streak and remain tied for third place in the MIAA standings.

Hope (10-10, 5-4 MIAA) also avenged a 77-54 loss at Trine 11 days ago.

Trine is "a great team. They're hard to play. It's a different system," head coach Greg Mitchell said. "We were trying to find slots [on offense]. We tweaked our alignment a little bit to hopefully create some downhill gaps for us. They bought in. We've had a lot of scouting reports this year where we don't quite totally take the film session to the floor. We took the film session to the floor today."

The Flying Dutchmen handed the Thunder just their third loss in 20 games this season and dropped them two games back of first-place Calvin University in the MIAA standings. 

Hope is tied for third place with The University of Olivet after both Adrian College and Albion College lost on Wednesday.

Sophomore forward Parker Hovey (Shelby, Michigan / Hart HS) led the Flying Dutchmen by recording his first double-double of the season with career-highs of 21 points and 11 rebounds. Hovey shot 50% from the field (6-12) and 87.5% from the foul line (7-8).

Senior center Gabe Quillan (Ada, Michigan / Grand Rapids Catholic Central) battled through aggravating an injury during the game as well as suffering a bloody nose and fingers. Quillan netted 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds. 

Quillan, who shot 66.7% from the field (8-12) despite not practicing this week, credited athletic trainer Annie Carrigan for helping him get back out on the court against Trine.

"It was a really physical game. I've got to give all the credit to Annie," Quillan said. "She's been supportive for all of us, tending to our needs."

Two other Flying Dutchmen scored in double figures: junior guard Marcus Wourman (East Lansing, Michigan / East Lansing) with 16 points and junior guard Justice Mims (Rochester Hills, Michigan / Rochester Adams) with 14 points. 

Wourman also delivered a career-high eight assists. The Flying Dutchmen recorded 17 assists as a team on 27 made baskets.

Trine, playing without leading scorer Drew Moore for the second game in a row, put four in double figures, including Nate Tucker with a team-high 13 points.

The game was tied 11 times and five lead changes. 

Hovey's 3-pointer 4 ½ minutes into the second half gave the Flying Dutchmen the lead for good at 48-45. 

Hovey, Mims, Quillan, Wourman and sophomore forward Simon Neuhaus (Grand Rapids, Michigan / East Grand Rapids) all contributed as Hope stretched the lead to 66-49 over the next five minutes.

The Flying Dutchmen's next game is Saturday, Feb. 8, at 3 p.m. against Kalamazoo College at DeVos Fieldhouse.