Box Score

RIPON, Wis. – Saturday's game between Ripon and Knox looked like it would be over nearly after it began, as the Red Hawks jumped out to an 18-3 lead just six minutes into the contest. Things would get interesting late, but Ripon would never relinquish the lead, and they would go on to win 81-78, avenging a double-overtime loss to Knox earlier this season.

Ripon (9-11, 4-9) looked like a well-oiled machine early in the game, scoring the first six points of the game on two baskets by Paul Wise, and another by Chris Kellett. That lead would get even bigger in the next few minutes, as Kellett and Scott Gillespie would hit back-to-back 3-pointers to take a 15-point lead. After a mini-run by Knox cut the lead to single digits, Ripon scored seven unanswered points to take another 15-point advantage, capped by an Alex Tomsheck jumper. After the lead was cut to eight once more, Ripon scored 12 of the game's next 15 points to take an 18-point lead, their largest of the night. The Red Hawks shot 56 percent (18-32) in the first half, giving them an 11-point lead at the half.

They would cool off a little in the second half, shooting only 36 percent (10-28), which would allow the Prairie Fire to climb back into the game. With 10 minutes left to play, Ripon still lead by 17, which is when Knox made their move, going on a 19-4 run in the next six minutes to cut the lead to two. The two teams traded baskets, before a pair of Gillespie free throws and a basket by Wise gave Ripon a six point advantage with two and a half minutes to play. Knox then cut the lead to four, but Gillespie would give Ripon some breathing room with an old-fashioned

three-point play with 38 seconds left. Ripon then iced the game with a few free throws, and escaped with a

three-point victory.

Gillespie led the Red Hawks with a team-high 22 points, including eight coming from the free throw line. Wise added 14 points, while also collecting four rebounds, three assists, and two blocked shots. Kellett also chipped in with 13 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Josh Bailen added 12 points and three steals off the bench.

Knox was led by Grant Kuge's 23 points and seven rebounds, while also getting 18 points and 10 boards from Adam Estergard. Clint Moore added 15 points for the Prairie Fire, who desperately needed a win, as they entered the day just one game out of the final Midwest Conference Tournament spot.

Ripon will now get set to renew their heated rivalry with Lawrence University, who will visit Ripon on Wednesday, February 13th. That game will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be preceded by the women's game against the Vikings. Both games can be seen on www.midwestconference.tv.