APPLETON, Wis. – Ripon had a golden opportunity to jump into first place in the Midwest Conference Wednesday at Lawrence University, as Grinnell, who is began the day tied with the Red Hawks for first, don't play until the weekend. That opportunity to take a half game lead was wasted, due to the Vikings 74-59 victory.

Lawrence (11-9, 7-6) led from the outset, never trailing in the first half, but they couldn't shake the pesky Red Hawks (12-8, 10-4). The Vikings biggest lead of the half was six points and every time it looked as if they would pull away, Ripon would close the gap. Lawrence was able to hold Ripon at bay thanks to the Viking's 52 percent shooting in the first half. The Red Hawks didn't shoot terribly, making 41 percent of their shots, but made just two of eleven from three-point range.

Ripon finally got over the hump in the second half. After tying the game on a Paul Wise free throw, Wise gave them their first lead of the game on another shot from the charity stripe. The next time down the floor, the Red Hawks gained their largest lead of three on a layup by Brian Schmitting. Lawrence would take the lead again before Bo Johnson took it back one last time. That lead was short-lived once again. The Vikings proceded to go on a 26-7 run to take an 18-point advantage, which was just too much to overcome. Lawrence finished shooting 58 percent
(15-26) from the field in the second half.

The Red Hawks were led by Schmitting's 19 points and nine rebounds in the losing effort. Wise chipped in with 14 points, while Johnson and Chris Kellett each scored nine.

Ryan Kroeger led all scorers with 21 points for the Vikings on 7-of-11 shooting. Andy Hurley added 10 points, to go along with 10 rebounds, which marked his seventh double-double of the season. Lawrence's bench outscored Ripons's 19-6.

Ripon will try to get back on the winning track next Wednesday, as they'll travel to Carroll College. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. in Waukesha, Wis. and will be preceded by the women's contest against the Pioneers.