KALAMAZOO - The Kalamazoo College men's basketball team lost 70-59 to Hope on Saturday. Hope led 33-29 at halftime.
Kalamazoo opened the game with a 7-0 run, holding Hope scoreless for the first four minutes and 46 seconds. The Hornets led 13-11 with 9:21 left in the first half before losing the lead. The Hornets held a 24-23 lead with 4:56 left in the first half, but that would be the final time the score was in the Hornets' favor. Hope sank its first four shots of the second half along with a free throw to increase the lead to 11 (42-31) with 17:40 left in the game. Kalamazoo cut the Hope lead to five (48-43) with 13:03 left in the game, but could not get any closer as Hope pulled away late in the game.
Hope shot 52.2 percent from the field including 56.5 percent in the second half. Kalamazoo was held to just 34 percent shooting. Hope held a 34-33 rebounding edge.
Dirk Rhinehart led the Hornets with 18 points. Kevin Baird added 14 points and six rebounds. Erik Rhinehart added 11 points off the bench.
Jeff Carlson led Hope with 17 points. Andy Phillips added 10 points and six rebounds off the bench for the Flying Dutchmen (20-4 / 10-2 MIAA).
A coin flip later this evening will determine opponents and home-court advantage for the MIAA Tournament. Results of the coin flips are expected to be posted on the MIAA web site at 9 p.m. Regardless, Kalamazoo (18-6 / 7-5 MIAA) will host a first round game on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
Updated: 2/22/03