MOUNT VERNON, Iowa – Grinnell College's men's basketball team evened its mark in Midwest Conference play Wednesday, knocking off Cornell College 123-120 in a thriller.
 
Julian Marx '17 poured in 31 points for the Pioneers, hitting 12-of-18 shots including a 7-of-12 performance from 3-point land. Danny Thomas '18, Vinny Curta '19 and Ky-Sean Johnson '19 each added 14 points, Ikaika Phillip '18 had 12 and Jacob Ekstrand '18 scored 10.
 
Curta also dished out five assists, while Johnson recorded three steals. Nick Curta '17 grabbed six rebounds.
 
Grinnell is now 1-1 in the league and 4-3 overall, while Cornell fell to 1-1 in the MWC and 2-2 overall.
 
Grinnell led 65-64 at halftime and pushed its lead to 16 points in the second half. However, Cornell raced back and came within a point with 22 seconds left.
 
But Vinny Curta and Braedon Bayer '18 each hit free throws down the stretch to secure the win.
 
Grinnell entertains St. Norbert College Saturday at Darby Gymnasium. Game time is 1 p.m.