HOLLAND, Mich. – The Alma College men's basketball team won a thrilling game over the Hope College Flying Dutchmen by a score of 65-64 on Friday, January 29th. The win was the Scots first of the year as their record now reads 1-3 on the season. This was Hope's season opener and it drops to 0-1.

With seven minutes left, Alma trailed by 15 points. But thanks to some clutch shots and some stellar Scots' defense, Alma made an incredible 17-0 run to take a 63-61 advantage with 40 seconds remaining.

After Hope ended its scoring drought with a 3-pointer to take back the lead at 64-63, junior Cole Kleiver made the biggest shot of his 23-point night with a mid-range floater that sunk through the basket and put the Scots back on top, 64-63.

The Flying Dutchmen had an opportunity to win the game but the Alma defense stood tall as it forced a missed layup attempt. Jack Poling grabbed the rebound, ultimately ending the game and giving the Scots the win at Hope for the second-straight year.

Kleiver led all players in points, had a team-high three assists, and went 7-of-9 from the free throw line. The junior's march towards 1,000 career points draws closer as he has 932 points through 56 games played with the Scots.

Brandon Rake earned his first double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Freshman Xavier Bargesser posted the most efficient game of his young career with season-highs of eight points and nine rebounds. Isaiah Williamson hit double-figures for the third time through four games this year with 10 tonight. The junior also added seven rebounds.

"What a great win tonight! It was not the prettiest of games, but we were able to dig our heels in defensively at the end and got the stops we needed to get back in it." Head Coach Ryan Clark said. "So proud of our fight tonight and definitely a win we can grow from."

The Scots now prepare for their final week of competition before games start to count toward the MIAA conference standings. Alma's next game will be on the road once again, this time at Olivet College on Wednesday, February 3rd. Tip off scheduled for 7:30 p.m.