Kiwanis-Wittenberg Tip-Off Classic: Hope def. Brockport State, 77-44

The Hope College Flying Dutch, fresh off a 31-1 season in 2002-03, got off to a strong start with a 77-44 victory over another 2003 NCAA Division III Tournament team, the Brockport State Eagles. After falling behind 14-2 in the opening minutes, the Dutch were practically unstoppable, rallying to take a 33-28 halftime lead and then outscoring their foes 44-16 in the second half.

Hope took advantage of 29 Brockport State turnovers and a 36-28 rebounding edge to gain 16 extra shot attempts. The Dutch shot 50.8 percent from the field (31-of-61) and committed just 18 turnovers, while garnering 19 steals. Individually, Hope was paced by Bria Ebels with 17 points and four steals, Kelly Taylor with 11 points and Ellen Wood with 10 points and five rebounds off the bench, including four offensive caroms.

Brockport State, champions of the SUNYAC in 2003, got 12 points and nine rebounds from Mary Ehrens and nine points and four assists from Katie Marcella. In addition, Meghan Squires picked up eight points and two assists.

Hope, regular season and tournament champions of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association in 2003, advanced to the Kiwanis-Wittenberg Tip-Off Classic Championship game, slated for 6 p.m. Saturday against the host Wittenberg University Tigers. Brockport will play in the consolation game on Saturday at 1 p.m. against Ohio Northern University, which fell in the other semifinal to Wittenberg by a 68-57 score