Hill’s three in final second lifts men’s basketball team to 68-65 win over Hope

OLIVET, Mich. – Junior DaunTrell Hill (Grand Rapids/Wyoming Godwin Heights) nailed a three-pointer with 0.7 seconds left, as the Olivet College men's basketball team defeated Hope College, 68-65, this afternoon at The Cutler Event Center in Olivet.

The Comets led the entire first half, with their largest lead being nine points, 31-22, after a dunk by freshman Eddie Rogers (Saginaw/Carrollton) with just fewer than three minutes left in the half. At halftime, Olivet had a 34-28 lead.

The Flying Dutchmen scored the first six points of the second half to tie the game at 34-34. After two more tied scores, 36-36 and 42-42, Hope took its first lead of the game, 44-42, at the 13:39 mark.

The Comets quickly tied the game on a jumper by sophomore Blake Krum (Schoolcraft). Following that tie at 44-44, there was another tie at 50-50. The Flying Dutchmen scored four straight points to take their largest lead.

Olivet responded with its own 4-0 run to tie the game at 54-54. Hope answered with another 4-0 run to take a 58-54 advantage. This time, the Comets had an 8-0 scoring spurt to go up 62-58 with 3:02 left in the game.

The Flying Dutchmen responded with five straight points to regain the lead, 63-62, at the 1:51 mark. Senior Dakotah Ellis (Birch Run) put Olivet ahead by two, 65-63, with a little less than one minute left.

Hope tied the game on a layup with 29 seconds left to knot the score at 65-65. After calling a timeout with 10 seconds remaining, Hill made the winning three-pointer. The Flying Dutchmen had one final chance to tie the game, but a three-pointer at the buzzer was missed.

For the game, the Comets made 24 baskets, including half from behind the three-point arc. Hope had 21 baskets, but only one three-pointer. The Flying Dutchmen kept the game close by making 22 free throws to eight for Olivet. The Comets turned the ball over 20 times but forced 25 Hope miscues.

Krum and freshman T.J. Vondette (Hemlock) shared game-high honors with 19 points apiece. Ellis joined them in double figures with 17 points to go along with a team-leading seven rebounds.

For the Flying Dutchmen, Nate Snuggerud scored a team-best 18 points, while Colton Overway had 12. 

The Comets (8-9, 3-3 MIAA) will host MIAA leader Calvin College next Wednesday, Jan. 23, at 8 p.m.

WATCH THE WINNING THREE-POINTER