GRINNELL, Iowa – Grinnell College's men's basketball team was hot early against a team receiving votes for the NCAA Division III national rankings, but Nebraska Wesleyan rallied for a 121-103 victory Saturday afternoon at Darby Gymnasium.
 
The Pioneers got out to a 21-11 lead in the first half, but then struggled as the unbeaten Prairie Wolves took advantage of Grinnell's season-low 34 percent shooting from the field for the game.

Nebraska Wesleyan rallied for a 66-60 halftime lead. Grinnell shot just 24 percent from the field in the second half, including 13.8 percent from 3-point land, while falling to 7-3. Nebraska Wesleyan improved to 11-0.

Besides rough shooting from the field, the Pioneers made just 26.1 percent of their shots from the 3-point stripe in the game and 62.5 percent of their free throws.

Vinny Curta '19 had a big game for Grinnell with 41 points, while Ky-Sean Johnson '19 also hit double figures with 22. Griffin Boehm '19 grabbed a season-best 10 rebounds and Jacob Ekstrand '18 tied a career-high with nine boards.
 
Hannes Kogelnik '21 had four assists and two steals, while Brad Geiman '21 blocked two shots.
 
Grinnell trailed by one in the first half before going on an 11-0 run. Curta began things with a layup, followed by Nathan Balcom's '18 3-pointer. Buckets by Johnson, Curta and Gus King '18 put Grinnell ahead 21-11 with 11:34 left.
 
The Prairie Wolves rallied and eventually took the lead. Grinnell got its final lead at 58-56 on Johnson's 3-pointer with 1:55 left in the half. However, the Prairie Wolves scored 10 of the next 12 points for a six-point halftime edge.
 
The Pioneers got as close as two midway through the second half when Johnson's free throws made it 81-79. However, Nebraska Wesleyan followed with an 18-3 run to all but put away the game.
 
Grinnell jumps back into Midwest Conference play Wednesday when Ripon College visits Darby Gymnasium. Game time is 5:30 p.m.