Junior guard Clayton Dykhouse scored a career-high 24 points as the Hope College men's basketball team lost to fourth-ranked Illinois Wesleyan, 87-74, on Friday night in the season opener.

The Flying Dutchmen could not overcome a strong start by their host at Jack Sikma Invitational.

Sophomore forward Tanner Wiegerink (Holland, Michigan / West Ottawa HS) scored on a layup to open the game for Hope's only lead. Illinois Wesleyan (2-0) charged to a 41-22 halftime lead.

Illinois Wesleyan was led in scoring by Cody Mitchell with 29 points. Cory Noe added 26.

Dykhouse (Zeeland, Michigan / Zeeland East), pictured, went 9-of-17 from the field and 4-of-6 from the free-throw line. His previous career-high in scoring was 16 points. 

Senior Tyler George (Ada, Michigan / Forest Hills Central HS) scored 16 points for the Flying Dutchmen.

Wiegerink added 13 points and five rebounds.

Junior forward Evan Thomas (Okemos, Mich. / Okemos HS) had seven points and a team-high 13 rebounds. 

Hope continues play on Saturday, Nov. 13, as the Flying Dutchmen play St. John's University (Minn.) at 5 p.m. Eastern. St. Johns lost to No. 17 Wisconsin-Oshkosh, 89-55, in Friday's first game.