RIPON, Wis. – The Illinois College men's basketball team kept it close for one half, but Ripon College started fast in the second half and came away with an 82-58 win over the Blueboys. IC slips to 2-5 (0-2 Midwest Conference), while the Red Hawks improve to 4-1 (2-0 MWC).
Illinois College took its one and only lead on the opening possession of the game when
Sean McDonald splashed a three-pointer, but Ripon answered back with a 12-3 run.
Trae Robinson III checked into the contest and connected on three straight field goals, but the Red Hawks never relinquished the lead, going on a 9-0 run after the Blueboys pulled within a point at 26-25. Behind 19 points from Cal Schultz in the first half, Ripon held a 39-36 lead.
When the second half began, the Red Hawks went on a 9-0 run that lasted more than five minutes.
Kane Wildermuth finally ended the Illinois College drought, but the Blueboys were only able to bring their deficit back to single-digits once, on an and-one jumper from Robinson III to make it 50-41. A
Riley Mehrens three-pointer at the eight-minute mark of the second half brought IC to within 11 at 62-51, but an 18-2 run followed by Ripon to put the game away.
Robinson III led Illinois College with 16 points on the afternoon.
Isaac Collins had nine points and
Sean McDonald added eight points.
Mason Speer tacked on eight points and added eight assists.
The Blueboys will come home to Sherman Gymnasium on Dec. 5 for their MWC home opener, hosting Monmouth College at 7:30 p.m.
