January 12, 2008

Box Score

APPLETON, Wis. – Ripon experienced their worst shooting night of the season Saturday, leading to an 80-64 loss at Lawrence University, snapping their four-game win streak. The Red Hawks only turned the ball over eight times in the game, also a season-best, but they couldn't overcome their 30 percent (21-70) shooting night from the field.

Lawrence (7-1, 3-0) led for the first 11 minutes of the game, which was tight early on, as the Vikings largest lead in that span was eight points. After they took that lead, Ripon (5-6, 0-4) rattled off nine consecutive points, which was capped off by a free throw by Chris Kellett, giving the Red Hawks their first and only lead of the game. They would only hold that lead for 25 seconds, before Jayce Apelgren nailed a 3-pointer to give Lawrence the lead once again. That was the beginning of a run of 13 consecutive Viking points. They would lead by as much as 13 in the first half. That lead would be cut to single digits on a Ripon 3-pointer by Rich Cloeter, but Lawrence answered with a Ryan Kroeger

3-pointer with just seconds remaining.

The Vikings would lead by double-digits for the remainder of the game, with the Red Hawks only getting as close as 11 points and Lawrence leading by as many as 19. Ripon finished the game shooting 20 percent (5-25) from 3-point range, including just 2-of-13 in the second half. Lawrence on the other hand, shot 52 percent (11-15) from 3-point range, while also making 54 percent (27-50) of their field goals. Lawrence also outrebounded the Red Hawks 44-34.

Scott Gillespie led Ripon with 14 points and two steals. Kellett was the only other Red Hawk to score in double figures, netting 12 points, while also collecting three steals. Cloeter put together a solid game off the bench, recording nine points, seven rebounds, and two assists.

Lawrence was led by Kroeger, who scored a team-high 24 points on 6-of-7 shooting, including hitting all five of his 3-point attempts. Apelgren added 10 points off the bench, to go along with seven rebounds. Andy Hurley and Chris Page also chipped in with eight and six points, respectively. Each of them also grabbed nine rebounds apiece.

Ripon will try to bounce back on Friday, as they'll host Lake Forest College at 7:30 p.m. That game will be preceded by the women's contest against the Foresters. Both games can be seen via webcast on www.midwestconference.tv.