by Alan Babbitt

The Hope College men's basketball team remained in a tie for third place in the MIAA standings despite a 73-67 loss at Olivet College on Saturday.

The Flying Dutchmen, who are 11-8 overall, share a 4-4 league record with Alma College and Calvin University. The group is one game ahead of sixth-place Adrian College and two on seventh-place Olivet with six regular-season games remaining. The top six teams advance to the MIAA Tournament.

Against Olivet, freshman forward Evan Thomas of Okemos, Michigan (Okemos) led Hope with 19 points and eight rebounds.

Junior forward Preston Granger of Lansing, Michigan (Lansing Christian) chipped in 15 points. 

Freshman guard Clayton Dykhouse of Zeeland, Michigan (Zeeland East) added 14 points.

The Flying Dutchmen could not overcome 21.1 percent shooting from 3-point range (4-19) and 57.7 percent free-throw shooting (15-26).

Eddie Thigpen topped Olivet (5-14, 2-6 MIAA) with 17 points.

Hope's next game is Wednesday, February 5 at MIAA-leader Albion College. Tipoff is 7:30 p.m.