Calvin (25-2) will now await an at-large bid for the NCAA tournament while Hope (24-3) is the automatic qualifier.
"We've had a really good season and we have a quality program," said Coach Ross. "So we hope to get into the [NCAA] tournament."
Throughout the game, Calvin was plagued with turnovers including turning the ball over on its first two possessions leading to an early 4-0 Hope lead. The Knights led briefly 8-6 before the Flying Dutch rattled off a 17-3 run and led 23-11 with just over eleven minutes to play in the half. So the Knights looked to Winkle who was reponsible for seven of Calvin's first eleven points.
Again, Hope had an 12 point lead, 29-17, but this time Calvin was able to create a run of its own. The Knights went on an 8-0 run but soon fell behind by ten again. It seemed Hope was able to counter attack every Calvin run with a run of its own and at halftime, Hope's stellar defensive effort had frustrated the Knights into a 41-31 halftime defecit.
The second half opened with each team continuing to trade baskets before Winkle took the ball the length of the court while finishing and picking up the foul. Within six points, the Knights looked to have gotten right back into the game. After Kelly Trewhella (Rockford/Rockford) hit the first triple of the game for the Knights, Hope's lead was down to 56-51. Rachael Willet (Rockford/Rockford) then hit another triple and two free throws later, the game was tied at 58 with over seven minutes to play.
But the Knights found themselves battling from behind on each possession down the stretch. Winkle tied the game at 62 with three minutes remaining but Hope built a couple three point leads in the final minutes. With 16 seconds left, Hope led 69-66 and after a Calvin turnover, had sealed the victory. Two more free throws by Hope and a last second lay-up by Calvin put the score at 71-68.
Hope had four players in double figures led by Jordyn Boles who had 17 points.
Although Calvin's 25 turnovers led to 28 points for Hope, Coach Ross was pleased to see his team fight back and finish strong. "I was really happy how we were able to battle and get back in the game," said Ross. "We played great defensively both halves."
As Calvin waits its at-large bid, Ross hopes his team can build its confidence once again. "We're hoping to make a good run in the [NCAA] tournament and hopefully the depth of our team will come through for us."