The Knights, ranked 11th in the latest D3hoops.com poll, won 79-40 while Hope also won so the two rivals remain tied atop the conference at 6-0 each.
Calvin opened play with a 10-0 run and continued that run scoring off of fast-break opportunities which led to Tri-State finding itself in a 17-3 hole halfway through the first period. The Knights suffocated the Thunder with great defense forcing 16 turnovers in the first half and 28 for the game.
The Knights finished the half with a comfortable 38-16 lead behind balanced scoring and eleven assists.
Calvin opened up second half play on another run scoring the first nine points of the half. Calvin continued to build on its lead despite the occasional small run by the Thunder.
The Knights were led in scoring by senior Lisa Winkle who tallied 13 points and also collected a team high ten rebounds for the 36th double-double of her career. Sophomore Marcia Harris was not far behind pouring in 11.
Sarah Howe led the Thunder behind an 11 point effort.
Calvin head coach John Ross was pleased with the efforts of his defense and the unselfish play of his team. “I was very pleased with the intensity and effort showed on the defensive side of the ball. Defense is always key and it led to lots of fast-break scoring opportunities.”
The Knights scored 26 of their 79 points in transition.
“We were unselfish out there and that’s what we have to do,” says Ross, “because teams are going to be able to take away our post-up and perimeter game. We looked for each other out there and were focused which is something we are going to have to continue doing all year.”
The Knights (12-1 overall, 6-0 MIAA) will travel to Holland on Saturday evening for a 7:30 night game against Hope. The winner of the contest will claim sole leadership in the MIAA conference.