Nine times the score was tied. Seventeen times the lead changed.
But when the time came for the Hope women's basketball team to deliver one more thrilling play in what had already been another thrilling installment in the Hope vs Calvin rivalry Wednesday at VanNoord Arena, the Flying Dutch did so on a flawless inbound pass that led to a stunning final-second shot.
Down 69-68 to the Knights with 1.4 seconds to go, Hope's Arika Tolbert stood at the far sideline, following a timeout, about 35 feet away from the Flying Dutch's basket. The sophomore guard lofted the ball inbounds to junior center Francesca Buchanan who had positioned herself near the low post. The rainbow pass fell neatly into Buchanan's up-stretched hands and the junior center turned and will-powered her way to the basket, sinking a contested layup as two Calvin players defended her on each side.
That game-winning bucket gave Hope a 70-69 final win over Calvin.
Video: Replay of game-winning shot
Audio: Radio call on game-winning shot by Greg Chandler of WHTC AM 1450/99.7 FM
"They had kids step up, we had kids step up, there is not a better game in the United States today. There can't be," said Coach Brian Morehouse. "Not in Division I, II, or III. If you weren't watching this game, you were missing out."