Harrison Blackledge

Guard Alex Eidson scored a game-high 17 points to lead the Hope men's basketball team in an 80-58 win over Carthage (Wis.) on Saturday in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association/College Conference of Illinois Wisconsin Challenge.

The sophomore from Grand Haven (Grand Haven HS) led three Flying Dutchmen in double figures as Hope improved its record to 2-4 overall. Eidson also collected five rebounds, five assists and four steals.

Senior center Nate VanArendonk of Grand Haven (Grand Haven HS) and freshman forward Harrison Blackledge of Canton, Ohio (Hoover HS) each netted 11 points apiece for Hope. It was a collegiate high for Blackledge.

The Flying Dutchmen outscored Carthage (4-3) by a 44-27 margin during the second half.

Hope's starting lineup of Blackledge, Eidson, VanArendonk, forward Grant Neil of Holland (West Ottawa HS) and sophomore point guard Ben Gardner of Carmel, Ind. (Carmel HS), combined for 55 points.

Gardner finished with nine points, eight rebounds and five assists. Neil had seven points and four assists.

The Flying Dutchmen recorded a season-high 22 assists.

Hope is now 10-10 all-time in the history of the MIAA/CCIW Challenge.