Box Score JACKSONVILLE, Ill. – The Grinnell College men's basketball team overcame an 18-point first-half deficit to defeat Illinois College 132-126 in the Midwest Conference opener for both teams Saturday afternoon.

Jack Taylor '15 had 30 points to lead Grinnell with the aid of eight 3-pointers, while Patrick Maher '14 tallied 29 on 9-of-13 shooting from the field and a 9-of-10 performance from the free throw line. Luke Yeager '15 poured in 26 points and Tague Zachary '15 had 13.

Zachary and Evan Johnson '15 had five rebounds apiece, while Taylor and Maher were both credited with four assists.

Grinnell is now 1-0 in the MWC and 4-0 overall, while Illinois College dipped to 0-1 and 2-1.

Illinois College jumped out to a 40-22 lead with 8:13 left in the first half. But then Grinnell gradually chipped into the lead and eventually went ahead 53-52 on Taylor's trey with 2:54 left. The teams went back and forth after that, with the Blueboys leading 62-61 at the break.

The second half was also tight, with Illinois College leading 112-110 with 3:15 to go before Grinnell broke things open with a key 12-2 run. Maher started things with two free throws to tie the contest. Yeager added a free throw and 3-pointer to put Grinnell up 116-112.

After a layup by the hosts, Taylor drained a 3-pointer and Yeager a layup for a 121-114 lead. A free throw by Maher made it 122-114 with 1:17 left. The Blueboys never got closer than four after that.

Grinnell plays at Beloit College next Saturday. Game time is 1 p.m.