Guard Megan Kelley's career-high 25 points helped the Flying Dutch outlast Wisconsin-La Crosse 75-70 in overtime in the championship game of the RDV Sportsplex D3 Classic Saturday in Orlando, Fla.
Nationally ranked Hope improved to 11-0 overall by outscoring Wisconsin-La Crosse by an 11-6 margin during the five-minute overtime period.
Wisconsin-La Crosse forced overtime by hitting a 3-pointer with two seconds remaining in regulation.
"We beat a very good team today," Hope coach Brian Morehouse said. "We really showed a lot of grit doing that. I'm really proud of our team bonding together. Our bench was unbelievably into the game. It's a huge credit to all 16 players. It was truly a team effort."
Kelley was named Tournament MVP. The senior from Rockford (Rockford HS) went 10-of-12 from the foul line for the Flying Dutch. She also grabbed seven rebounds, including six on the offensive end.
"Megan played awesome," Morehouse said. "She made huge pressure free throws. She just showed tremendous confidence and composure on her part."
Sophomore forward Maura McAfee of Midland (Midland HS) also represented Hope on the all-tournament team. McAfee added 15 points and a team-high eight rebounds for Hope. Thirteen of the points came after halftime.
Senior guard Brittany Berry of Grand Rapids (Catholic Central HS) chipped in 11 points for Hope, including three 3-pointers.
All-tournament selection Rachel Atchison led La Crosse (6-5) with 17 points off the bench. Teammate Marina Kneeland also made the all-tournament team after scoring 12 points.
In the consolation game, Eastern, Pa., beat Mount Aloysius, Pa., 68-42.
Eastern's Meghan Nowak topped all scorers with 21 points and 12 rebounds. All-tournament selection Kaitlyn Dougherty added 18 points and four assists for Eastern (5-5).
Mount Aloysius (3-4) received 11 points from Abbie Zinobile and 10 from all-tournament selection Becky Bard.