Box Score GRINNELL, Iowa – Grinnell College's men's basketball team dug itself a hole early and couldn't get back into contention as Illinois College posted a 98-75 victory Wednesday at Darby Gymnasium.

The Blueboys, who are now 5-5 in the Midwest Conference and 9-6 overall, scored the game's first six points and never trailed after that.

The Pioneers, 6-4 in the league and 11-4 overall, were plagued with poor shooting as they hit just 36 percent of their field goal tries and 61.1 percent of their free throws.

Patrick Maher '14 had 19 points to lead Grinnell, while Aaron Levin '14 was also in double figures with 13. Nick Curta '17 grabbed six rebounds, Luke Yeager '15 had four assists and Kyle Parker '17 came up with three steals.

Brandon Berry scored a game-high 27 points for the Blueboys.

After falling behind by six, Grinnell rallied with an 8-4 run as Cody Olson '14 hit a 3-pointer, Levin scored a basket and Maher converted a traditional three-point play to make it 10-8.

But the Blueboys answered with a seven-point run and continued to pull away, leading 52-33 at halftime. Grinnell never got closer than 17 points the rest of the way.

The Pioneers play at home again Saturday when Ripon College visits Darby Gymnasium for a 1 p.m. game.