Hope College Men’s Basketball Faces Semifinal Challenge After Calvin Loss
The Hope College Flying Dutchmen (16-9 11-3 MIAA) saw their hopes for an MIAA regular-season championship dashed on Saturday with a 96-88 loss to rival Calvin University. Despite the setback, Hope secured the No. 2 seed in the upcoming MIAA tournament and will face either Calvin or Adrian College in the semifinals on February 27th at 5:30 PM at Olivet College.
Offensive Firepower on Display in High-Scoring Rivalry
The game against Calvin was a high-scoring affair, totaling 184 points – the most in the rivalry since 1989. Both teams showcased strong offensive performances, with Calvin shooting 57% from the field. Hope freshman Brendan Cargill led all scorers with 19 points, 15 of which came in the first half. Calvin was led by Jalen Overway, who recorded 28 points and 10 rebounds, and Trevin Winkle, who added 24 points.
Freshman Contributions Key for Hope
Despite the loss, Hope saw significant contributions from its freshman class. Cargill’s strong first-half performance, coupled with 13 points from Sean Wesolek (including three 3-pointers) and 10 points from Avery Sanchez, provided a spark for the Flying Dutchmen. Junior forward Parker Hovey also contributed with 13 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Tournament Outlook: A Balanced MIAA Competition
Head Coach Greg Mitchell acknowledged the competitive nature of the MIAA tournament, describing it as the most balanced he’s seen in his 12 years. Hope will need to tighten up its possession game – they had more turnovers than Calvin – to advance. The tournament champion will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III tournament.
Looking Ahead to the Semifinals
Hope will await the winner of the first-round matchup between Calvin and Adrian College, scheduled for Tuesday, February 24th at Calvin. The semifinal game against either team will be played on Friday, February 27th at 5:30 PM at Olivet College’s Cutler Events Center.
FAQ
What is Hope College’s record? Hope College is 16-9 overall and 11-3 in the MIAA.
When and where is the MIAA tournament semifinal game? The semifinal game is on Friday, February 27th at 5:30 PM at Olivet College.
Who does Hope play in the semifinals? Hope will play the winner of the game between Calvin and Adrian College.
Who led Calvin in scoring? Jalen Overway led Calvin with 28 points.
Who led Hope in scoring? Brendan Cargill led Hope with 19 points.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Hope’s freshman class. Their contributions will be crucial as the tournament progresses.
Stay tuned for updates on the MIAA tournament and Hope College men’s basketball!
