RIPON, Wis. – The Ripon men's basketball team had four players score in double figures, including three players with 15 points, as they held on to a 72-70 victory over Illinois College. In a game that had the momentum swinging by the minute, the Red Hawks were able to take advantage of their opportunities down the stretch, keeping them undefeated in MWC play.

Illinois College (5-5, 0-3) got out to a huge lead early on, using a 13-6 run to gain a game-high 13-poiint advantage. The Red Hawks (4-3, 3-0) fired back though, going on a 19-8 run of their own, cutting the Blueboy lead to just two points. Illinois College used their 50 percent first half shooting to take a four point lead into halftime.

The second half was just as intense as the first. The Blueboys opened the half up with a three-pointer by Brad Johnson, giving them a seven point advantage, which would be the largest lead by either team the rest of the way. Ripon continued to cut into that lead, and with just under nine minutes remaining, Paul Wise's layup gave the Red Hawks their first lead since the opening basket of the game. The two teams went back-and-forth the rest of the way, and with just under a minute to play, Illinois College cut the lead to a single point on a three-point play by David Stewart. After a missed shot by the Red Hawks, the Blueboys looked like they could take the lead, but David McMullen stepped in front of a Mark Gillingham pass and raced all the way to the basket to score a three-point play, all but assuring Ripon of the victory.

The Red Hawks were led by Bo Johnson, Brian Schmitting, and McMullen, who all finished with 15 points. Schmitting completed a double-double on the night, pulling in a game-high 13 rebounds. Wise added 14 points for the Red Hawks, who shot 48 percent in the second half.

Illinois College was led by Gillingham's 24 points and six assists. Johnson and Pete Jennings also finished in double figures with 17 and 11 points, respectively.

Ripon's next contest will be expected to be just as intense, if not more than Thursday's game, as they'll host arch-rival Lawrence University on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 4:00 p.m. and will be preceded by the women's contest.