The Hope College men's basketball team left no doubt this time.

The Flying Dutchmen — winners of their first three MIAA games by a combined 14 points — scored the first 15 points against Alma College on Saturday at DeVos Fieldhouse and rolled to an 80-64 victory.

Hope improved to 9-6 overall and remained tied atop the MIAA standings with a 4-0 league record, matching Calvin University.

Head coach Greg Mitchell said the Flying Dutchmen's assertive performance started with their defense.

"Without question, our defensive engagement, intensity and communication were at a real high level," Mitchell said. "That was out of respect for the actions Alma runs. They have a really good offensive system and shoot the 3 really well, so we knew we had to amp up our switches and our communication. I thought we did a great job, and I think that bled into confident offense.

"I think the ball deserves to go in when you bust your butts out there, I think that's what we did."

Hope held Alma scoreless for the first 5 minutes, 14 seconds as the Scots missed their first eight shots.

Freshman guard Brendan Cargill (Grand Rapids, Michigan / Forest Hills Central) scored eight of his team-high 13 points during the decisive initial stretch, including two 3-pointers 1 minute, 19 seconds apart.

The Flying Dutchmen extended their lead to 43-24 by halftime.

Three teammates joined Cargill in double figures: junior forward Parker Hovey (Shelby, Michigan / Hart) with 11 points, sophomore center Orion Yant (Zeeland, Michigan / Zeeland West) and freshman guard Avery Sanchez (Turlock, California / John H. Pitman).

Alma (2-13, 0-4 MIAA) received a game-high 19 points from guard Donovan Collins, including five 3-pointers.

Hope returns to action Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 7 p.m. at Kalamazoo College.