Center Brock Benson slammed home two alley-oop dunks and scored a game-high 21 points to lead the Hope College men's basketball team in an 80-55 win against Albion on Wednesday at DeVos Fieldhouse.

Benson, the MIAA's top field-goal shooter, shot 72.7 percent from the field in the game (8-of-11).

The junior from Willowbrook, Illinois (Hinsdale South HS), also grabbed a game-high nine rebounds for the Flying Dutchmen.

Hope improved to 8-6 overall and 1-2 in Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play.

The Flying Dutchmen outscored Albion (8-5, 1-2 MIAA) by a 53-30 margin during the second half. Hope shot 65.6 percent from the field after halftime (21-32) and 54 percent for the game (34-63).

Junior guard Ben Gardner of Carmel, Indiana (Carmel HS), totaled 16 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. He matched his season-high in assists, including two on Benson's alley-oops.

Sophomore forward Harrison Blackledge of Canton, Ohio (Hoover HS), chipped in 12 points, including 10 during the second half.

Hope returns to action on Saturday, Jan. 17, when the Flying Dutchmen travel to Olivet. Tipoff is 3 p.m.

Photo of Brock Benson by Monica Dwyer