ADRIAN, Mich. – The Adrian College men's basketball team never quit and fought the ninth ranked Hope College Dutchmen to the final buzzer in a 76-73 loss in Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association action. Christian Covile's night started out slow as he went 1-for-4 from the floor in the first half, he would bounce back in the second half to end the night with 16 points and nine rebounds, leading the Bulldogs in both categories.

The score stayed close for the majority of the first half. The Dutchmen were able to build the first double digit lead of the game in the final minute of the first half when Mitchell O'Brien hit a three point jumper to extend the Hope lead to 39-29, the score would stay that way through halftime.

 Adrian would start the second half fast scoring three quick baskets to cut the lead down to four, but the Dutchmen would respond to increase the lead to 13 points with 16:31 left to play. The Dutchmen would continue to maintain the double digit lead into the final 10 minutes of the game before the Bulldogs would slowly begin to chop down the lead one basket at a time.

Adrian senior Rickey Jackson hit a three pointer with 8:34 left to play to bring the score 65-61 in favor of Hope. Hopes' Brock Benson would go 1-of2 from the free throw line and Covile would make both of his free throws to bring the Dutchmen lead to three points with seven minutes left to play. Both teams would go back and forth for the remainder of the game and with five seconds left Hope would foul Travon Johnson and send him to the line for two free throws that could tie the game. Johnson would make the first one and miss the second, forcing Adrian to intentionally foul. Hopes' Ben Gardner would make the first and miss the second to ice the game at 76-73.

Hope had four players score double digit points: Chad Carlson (17), Benson (13), Gardner (11) and Cody Stuive (10). Adrian had three players score double digit points: Covile (16), Ben Rodak (11) and Jackson (10).

The Bulldogs shot 27-55 (49.1%) from the floor, 6-17 (35.5%) from the three point line and 13-25 (52%) from the charity stripe. Hope shot 25-57 (43.9%), 8-21 (38.1%) and 18-30 (60%). The Dutchmen edged Adrian with 17 points off turnovers versus the Bulldogs 12. Adrian out-rebounded Hope 36-34.

The Bulldogs will play their third straight game at home this Saturday when they host MIAA opponent Calvin. Opening tip is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.