DeVos Fieldhouse was buzzing Saturday afternoon as the Hope College men's basketball turned a tight first half into a dramatic second-half surge in front of a crowd of more than 1,400, nearly erasing a late deficit before falling 98–93 to sharp-shooting Muskingum University during the second-annual Glenn Van Wieren Classic.

What began as a steady, back-and-forth opening frame set the stage for a furious Flying Dutchmen comeback that had the home crowd on its feet until the final horn. The loss moved Hope to 5-6 overall, while Muskingum improved to 11-2. 

Junior Parker Hovey (Shelby, Michigan / Hart) led the Flying Dutchmen by pouring in a game-high 29 points while adding seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals. 

Hovey's standout all-around performance earned him a spot on the Glenn Van Wieren Classic all-tournament team.

The Flying Dutchmen trailed 42-39 at halftime after a first half defined by physical play in the paint and multiple lead changes. Hope's interior scoring and rebounding kept the game tight, but Muskingum's efficiency from the field allowed the visitors to maintain a slim edge heading into the break.

In the second half, Muskingum briefly stretched the margin, but Hope responded with grit and pace. Defensive stops turned into transition opportunities, and the Flying Dutchmen attacked the rim relentlessly, chipping away possession by possession. 

As the clock wound down, Hope's energy surged, cutting the lead to a single possession multiple times, but Muskingum answered with timely buckets and free throws to hold off the comeback. 

Freshman Brendan Cargill (Grand Rapids, Michigan / Forest Hills Central) followed Hovey with 16 points.

Senior Marcus Wourman (Lansing, Michigan / East Lansing) added 14 points, and sophomore Orion Yant (Zeeland, Michigan / Zeeland West) contributed 12 points while anchoring the interior.

On the glass, Yant led with eight rebounds, while Hovey and Charles Howell each added five, helping Hope win the rebounding battle 37-32.

Fourth-ranked Washington University in St. Louis earned the Glenn Van Wieren Classic title, the lone team to go 2-0 over the weekend after defeating The University of Olivet, 94-68, in Saturday's first game.

WashU topped the all-tournament team with MVP Ryan Cohen and fellow guard Connor May. Olivet posted two selections: post player Connor Schipper and guard Nathan Richardson. Muskingum forward Owen Emig also was selected.

Hope returns to the court on Wednesday, Jan. 7, at 7 p.m. welcoming Trine University to Devos Fieldhouse for the MIAA opener.