With new friends from the United Kingdom in attendance, the Hope College men's basketball team delivered a winning performance at DeVos Fieldhouse on Wednesday, outlasting Adrian College, 86-76.
The Flying Dutchmen (8-6 overall) remained tied atop the MIAA standings with a 3-0 league record and extended their winning streak to three games.
International social media sensations Josh and Jase — Josh Clarke and Jason Riley from Nottingham, England — attended the game as the college's guests. The duo is touring the United States, beginning this week in West Michigan.
It marked their first collegiate basketball game as fans. Josh & Jase sat courtside in the Hope student section, participated in the Big E's-sponsored halftime shootout and met with fans. Their content can be found on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.
The Flying Dutchmen gave Josh and Jase plenty to cheer about after the game started an hour late because of Adrian's weather-caused transportation issues.
Despite two Adrian second-half rallies that cut the deficit to two points, Hope never relinquished the lead. The Orange and Blue outscored the Bulldogs, 14-6, over the final 3 minutes, 30 seconds.
Hope made its final seven free throws to seal the outcome and converted a season-high 32 of 40 attempts (80 percent). Adrian also shot well at the line, finishing 24 of 29 (82.8 percent).
The Flying Dutchmen blocked a season-high 10 shots, including a DeVos Fieldhouse record-tying nine by junior forward Parker Hovey (Shelby, Michigan / Hart). Hovey matched Division III's best blocking performance of the season and Nate VanArendonk's 2012 mark against Adrian.
The 6-foot-5 Hovey nearly recorded a triple-double, leading the team in points (17) and rebounds (12). His 12 boards were a season high. He also made a season-best 13 free throws (13 of 18).
Senior guard Marcus Wourman (Lansing, Michigan / East Lansing) matched Hovey with 17 points and drained two 3-pointers 26 seconds apart to ignite Hope's decisive late surge.
Senior guard Justice Mims (Rochester Hills, Michigan / Rochester Adams) added 14 points.
Adrian (4-10, 1-2 MIAA) placed four players in double figures, led by forward Darrius Welch with a game-high 22 points.
Hope's next game is Saturday, Jan. 17, at 2 p.m. against Alma College at DeVos Fieldhouse. It is Community Day.