GRINNELL, Iowa – A big second have paved the way for the Grinnell College men's basketball team in a 128-95 victory over Wright State Lake Friday night at Darby Gymnasium.
 
The Pioneers, who led 51-41 at halftime, shot 56 percent from the field in the second half on their way to scoring 77 points. Additionally, the Pioneers' defense forced 35 turnovers in the game as Grinnell improved to 2-0.
 
Vinny Curta '19 had another big game for Grinnell with 40 points, five steals and five assists. Ky-Sean Johnson '19 added 18 points, Sean Cullinane '18 scored 12 and Hannes Kogelnik '21 and Jacob Ekstrand '18 tallied 10 apiece.
 
Ekstrand also had six rebounds, while Ikaika Phillip '18 came up with a career-high five assists. Nathan Balcom '18 added a career-best five rebounds.
 
Grinnell led by as many as 11 points early before the Lakers rallied to force a 33-all tie with 5:26 left in the first half. The Pioneers later led by just three before a big run gave them some breathing room.
 
Curta hit a 3-pointer and layup, Kogelnik had a layup as did Griffin Boehm '19 to put the Pioneers ahead 51-39.
 
Grinnell led 51-41 at halftime. After the Lakers came within six points early in the second half, Curta hit two free throws and Boehm and Balcom layups to push the Pioneers ahead 59-47. They led by double digits the rest of the way.
 
With the setback, the Lakers fell to 1-6 on the season.
 
Grinnell is back in action Saturday when Lincoln Christian University visits Darby Gymnasium. Tip-off is at 3 p.m.