GALESBURG, Ill. - It took two weeks and six games, but the Ripon women's basketball team finally broke back into the win column after a five-game losing streak. The Red Hawks defeated Knox 66-60 thanks to a phenomenal second half in which they outscored the Prairie Fire by 20 points.

Ripon scored the first basket of the game, but Knox was consistent throughout the first half, going up by as much as 16 points. Knox shot 54 percent in the half, while Ripon made just 29 percent of their field goal attempts.

The second half was a complete opposite of the first half. Knox went cold all of a sudden, shooting 27 percent in the half, as they allowed the Red Hawks to get back into the game. After going up by 17 points early in the half, the Red Hawks scored 10 consecutive points to close the gap. After a Knox basket, Ripon used an 18-3 run to take a six point lead. Knox would only get within four points the rest of the way, as the Red Hawks tasted victory for the first time since a win over Grinnell on January 19.

JoEllen Buerger led all scorers with 21 points, to go along with 10 rebounds. Jessica DeHamer, who scored 10 points in the first half, scored 16 in the game, to go along with nine rebounds. Theresa Kenney added 18 points and six boards off the bench.

Knox was led by Andie Allison's 15 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks. Jenna Finley added 14 points, while Erin Navolio scored 13. Kate Moon finished the game with 11 points and nine boards.

Ripon will try to stay on the winning track on Wednesday, as they'll travel to Appleton, Wis. to face Lawrence University at 5:30 p.m. That game will be followed by the men's contest against the Vikings.