by Mackenzie McMahon

The Hope College men's basketball team tallied a win, 75-71, against Hendrix in the consolation game of the Washington University Lopata Classic in St. Louis, Missouri on Saturday, December 4. The game needed an overtime frame to determine a winner, and the Flying Dutchmen dug deep to grab the win. 

At the half, Hope College trailed 32-37, and was eventually in a 12 point deficit, before they made the comeback win happen. Senior Jeff Bikus (Hawthorn Woods, Illinois / Mundelein HS), pictured right, would nail a 3-point shot with two minutes remaining in the second half to make it 60-61, Hope College only trailing by one. Sophomore Noah Hedrick (Indianapolis, Indiana / Covenant Christian) rallied with five points in the OT period to help the orange and blue keep a three point lead over Hendrix.

The Flying Dutchmen made five of six free throws in the extra bit of basketball play, solidifying their win and conquering the Warriors. Overall in the consolation game, there were 22 lead changes and 18 ties. 

Bikus ended the game with 18 points to lead Hope over Hendrix, while Hedrick put up 15 points and freshman Sam Ver Steeg (Grand Rapids, Michigan / Grand Rapids Christian) would grab 11 points. 

The Hope College men's basketball team turns their focus to host Wisconsin-Platteville on Saturday, December 11 at DeVos Fieldhouse with a 3 p.m. tipoff.