Ben Gardner took his career milestone in stride, sharing credit with others for reaching 1,000 points as a member of the Hope College men's basketball team.

The senior guard from Carmel, Indiana (Carmel HS) became the 37th Flying Dutchmen player to score at least 1,000 points in his career during Tuesday's 98-83 win against Grace Bible at DeVos Fieldhouse.

Gardner has 1,003 points after 91 games.

"It's a cool accomplishment," Gardner said. "I'd like to think I've worked pretty hard, but overall it's a testament to all the great teammates I've had all these four years and the great coaching staff we have. Without them, this wouldn't be possible. I'm more proud of that. It's been a fun four years. "

Gardner made the Sentinel/DeVette Classic all-tournament team for the third time in his career after leading five Hope players in double figures against Grace Bible with 16 points.

Gardner also matched his season-high with six assists.

Hope coach Greg Mitchell said he appreciated Gardner giving his teammates and coaches credit during the post-game press conference, but that Gardner deserved praise for his part in the achievement. 

"A lot of work goes into that," Mitchell said. "You can look at him and maybe not see this big physical presence from a stature standpoint, but his heart is as big as anybody's. He finds ways to score, inside and out. It's great (the milestone) came on a night we won. There are many points coming."

Click here to see list of Hope's 1,000-point scorers.