The Rivalry played on unfamiliar hardwood still carried the full weight of more than a century of history on Friday night in Olivet, Michigan.

The Hope College men's basketball team rose to the occasion in just the seventh neutral-site chapter of The Rivalry with Calvin University.

The second-seeded Flying Dutchmen set the tone early and never trailed on their way to a 73-63 win over Calvin University in the semifinals of the MIAA Tournament, presented by Collegiate Credit Union, at The University of Olivet.

The victory sent Hope (17-) back to the MIAA Tournament Championship for the fifth straight season and the 24th time in program history. The Flying Dutchmen will face fourth-seeded Trine University, an 85-69 winner vs. top-seeded Olivet, on Saturday, February 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Olivet's Cutler Events Center.

Head coach Greg Mitchell was pleased with the Rivalry win. Hope now leads the all-time series, 112-107, after snapping a five-game losing streak to the Knights, who scored 96 points on Saturday against the Flying Dutchmen.

"We talk so much about winning the possession battle and to me, that was the difference in this game," said Mitchell. "Tonight's win was a great desire of 'want to'. When you can win a rebounding battle against a really exceptional rebounding team, and probably the best center in the nation, you feel pretty good about your chances. I am thrilled that we're playing again and excited about the effort from our guys tonight."

Two stretches defined how Hope controlled the semifinal.

The first arrived early, when the Flying Dutchmen answered Calvin's opening 3 with a composed, physical surge. 

Senior Marcus Wourman and sophomore Orion Yant carved out back-to-back finishes at the rim, and Hope's defense forced three turnovers in the opening minutes, flipping the tone of the game and establishing a lead the Flying Dutchmen would never give back.

The second turning point came early in the second half, when Calvin crept within striking distance. Hope shut the door quickly. 

Yant powered in a strong finish to steady the offense, and on the next possession freshman Brendan Cargill drilled a wing 3 that flipped the momentum back to Orange and Blue. Three straight defensive stops followed, each one pushing Calvin further out of rhythm. 

In less than two minutes, Hope's lead stretched into double digits, a surge that broke Calvin's push and set the tone for the closing stretch.

Hope's balance and physicality carried the night.  

Yant (Zeeland, Michigan / Zeeland West HS) delivered a standout performance with 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals, shooting 75% from the field (6-8) and anchoring Hope's interior presence. 

Wourman (Lansing, Michigan / East Lansing) added 14 points and four rebounds. 

Cargill (Grand Rapids, Michigan / Forest Hills Central) supplied 13 points, including 3-of-5 from 3.

Junior Parker Hovey (Shelby, Michigan / Hart) contributed eight points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Freshman Avery Sanchez (Turlock, California / John H. Pitman) and sophomore Carter Bishop (Holt, Michigan / Holt) combined for 11 key bench points, helping Hope outscore Calvin's reserves 23-12. 

The Flying Dutchmen outrebounded Calvin 41-32 and shot nearly 48% during the second half.