HOLLAND, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Staying with basketball tradition at Hope College, both the men’s and women’s basketball teams won the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament Championships. The women’s basketball team is the reigning NCAA Division III national champions and will have a chance to now defend their title.

The Hope women’s basketball team is now 25-2 and defeated Trine University, 76-65, in the DeVos Fieldhouse. They shot 42 percent overall with an impressive third quarter of 58 percent shooting making six three-pointers. Savannah Feenstra had a double-double with 23 points and 15 rebounds as four players scored in double figures.
“I’m just excited for our senior class – four in a row. What a great run for them,” said head coach Brian Morehouse. “I thought that we had a great followership this year. I think the leadership from our seniors, we expected, but you have gotta get people on board. The work ethic in our practices went up every single week. The communication, the culture of our team improved as the season went along and we got to know each other.”
Hope’s senior class improved their record to 102-3.
The men’s basketball team held off rival Calvin College in Grand Rapids as 2100 people watched the game at the Van Noord Arena. Hope knocked off top seed Calvin, 61-54, for the automatic bid into the NCAA Division III Tournament. It was the third vicotry in 10 days in Grand Rapids.
“It certainly wasn’t easy,” said head coach Greg Mitchell. “I could not be happier for our guys with all that we’ve through. These guys never wavered. We’re still dancing next week.”
Marcus Wourman came off the bench to score a career-high 18 points to lead the team. Evan Thomas added 14 points as Hope shot 39 percent making seven three-pointers.
It was the 210th meeting in the rivalry of the two teams as Hope leads, 109-101. The win also puts Hope back in the NCAA Division III Tournament for the second straight season and 29th time in program history. It is the first time in MIAA history that a number three seed has won the conference tournament as they won three games in three days.
The NCAA Division III selection shows will be on Monday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.