In a challenging game for the Hope College men's basketball team, it was a continuous uphill battle for the Flying Dutchmen in the 215th game of Rivalry. 

Saturday's afternoon game at Van Noord Arena, packed to the brim, saw Calvin University taking its second win against Hope College in just under two weeks with a 68-60 victory.

Hope (9-10, 4-4 MIAA) slid into a four-way tie for third place in the league standings with Adrian College, Albion College and The University of Olivet. Calvin sits atop of the standings after a Wednesday evening upset over second-ranked Trine University.

The Flying Dutchmen still lead the all-time series with Calvin, 111-104.

"I think [this game] was the type of game that we needed it to be, an ugly grinder, and out-rebounding them was key for us," said head coach Greg Mitchell. "Getting to the foul line was key, but there is something about the game of basketball, you have to make shots. It was a struggle at times for us, we got more attempts, which is good, and there were a couple times where it would have been really easy for us to get frustrated and down, and our guys just kept fighting, so for that I am proud of them."

The Flying Dutchmen outrebounded Calvin by a 36-34 margin.

Calvin started the game with a 7-1 run, but the game remained tight throughout the first half, with Hope trailing by just three points at the break, 31-28.  The Knights opened the second half on an 11-2 run and extended their lead to as many as 15 points. 

Hope rallied but could not pull closer than six points. Calvin capitalized on key possessions in the second half, extending its lead behind Uchenna Egekeze's 16 points and six rebounds.

Despite a strong defensive presence, Hope struggled to find offensive rhythm, shooting just 33% from the field and committing 15 turnovers.

Sophomore Parker Hovey (Shelby, Michigan / Hart HS) led Hope with a well-rounded performance, tallying 17 points, eight rebounds, and four steals before fouling out late.

Junior Marcus Wourman (Lansing, Michigan / East Lansing) added 15 points, including three 3-pointers, while senior Gabe Quillan (Ada, Michigan /  Grand Rapids Catholic Central) battled through a hard fall early in the game to contribute seven points, nine rebounds and three blocks.

Hope's next game is Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 7:30 p.m. at DeVos Fieldhouse against Trine.