by Alan Babbitt

One day after a record-setting performance, points didn't come as easily for the Hope College men's basketball team.

The Flying Dutchmen lost 73-55 to Simpson College (Iowa) Saturday night in the championship game of the North Park University Tournament in Chicago.

In Friday's opener, Hope topped Greenville College (Illinois), 139-129, in the highest-scoring game in team history.

The Flying Dutchmen struggled shooting — finishing 38.9 percent from the floor (21-54), 20 percent from 3-point range (4-20) and 56.3 percent from the free-throw line (9-16).

Sophomore center Preston Granger of Lansing, Michigan (Lansing Christian HS), pictured, led Hope with 18 points.

Senior guard Jason Beckman of Shelby, Michigan (Shelby HS) was the only other Flying Dutchman to reach double figures. He had 13 points — all during the second half.

Senior guard Jeff Goral of Palos Heights, Illinois (Amos Alonzo Stagg) added nine points.

Senior forward Dennis Towns of Flint, Michigan (Powers Catholic) netted seven points.

Simpson (3-1) outscored Hope 20-3 over the final nine minutes of the first half for a 36-18 halftime lead.

Conor Riordan topped three Simpson players in double figures with 20 points.

The Flying Dutchmen return to action on Tuesday, November 20 with an 8 p.m. game against Ohio Northern University at DeVos Fieldhouse. The game follows the 6 p.m. women's game between third-ranked Hope and Concordia University (Wisconsin).