HOLLAND, Mich. -- The Albion College men's basketball team battled back and forth with Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association-leading (MIAA) Hope College through the opening 20 minutes but couldn't sustain that momentum in a 95–72 loss Wednesday night at DeVos Fieldhouse.

Albion stayed within a possession through much of the first half, shooting 51.9% (14-27) overall and 75.0% (3-4) from three while making 81.8% (9-11) of its free throws. Hope opened up a 39-28 lead with four minutes to play in the opening frame, but Albion responded in force. The Brits rattled off 12 consecutive points, capped by back-to-back buckets from Ethan Woolery and Malachi Hooser II. The Flying Dutchmen had the final say of the period, however, as a 3-pointer gave the home side a 42-40 lead at the break. 

Hope capitalized on the late momentum shift coming out of halftime and utilized a 10-0 run in a two-minute span at the start of the second half to seize control of the contest, 55-43. Mason Brodi halted the barrage with a jumper, but the damage was done. The Brits offense slowed behind a 39% mark from the floor as they pushed to keep pace. Hope knocked down 69% of its shots across the second stanza to put the game out of reach. 

Kam Mayes led the Britons with 16 points on 71.4% shooting from field goal range. Kurtis Rhodes added 13 points and three assists while Michael Umeh narrowly missed a double-double with nine points and eight rebounds.

For the game, Hope finished with a slim 30-27 advantage on the glass. Turnovers loomed large, as the Flying Dutchmen cashed in 27 points off of Albion's miscues. 

Up Next
The Britons host Calvin University inside the friendly confines of Kresge Gymnasium on Saturday, January 31. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 pm.