RIPON, Wis. – Grinnell College's men's basketball team dug itself into an early hole and couldn't quite get out as the Pioneers lost a 104-71 decision at Ripon College Saturday afternoon.
 
The Pioneers' lone lead was 2-0 on a jumper by Brad Geiman '21 in the early going. The Red Hawks countered with two layups and never trailed after that while improving to 8-4 in the Midwest Conference and 12-7 in all games.
 
Grinnell, 6-6 in league play and 10-9 overall, had a balanced scoring attack with Aiden Gilbert '23 tallying 15 points and Geiman and Christian Brookens '22 10 apiece.
 
Geiman added seven rebounds for the Pioneers, who were hurt by a 30-8 free throw deficit, and Gilbert came up with three steals. Hannes Kogelnik '21 added three assists and two steals, while Will Dubow '22 blocked a shot. Dubow now ranks 16th in program history with 36 career blocks.
 
The Pioneers, who shot a season-low 28.1 percent from the field, fell behind by 10 midway through the first half and later by nine before making a charge to cut the gap to three. Kogelnik began the spurt with a 3-pointer and, following a basket by Ripon, Grumhaus added a trey and Brookens a layup to bring the Pioneers within 27-24 with 7:10 left.
 
But the hosts answered the call and led 44-33 at halftime. Grinnell got as close as 11 once again early in the second half on Brookens' jumper, but Ripon again had a run and went on to victory.
 
The Pioneers return to the home court Wednesday to face Beloit College. Tip-off is at 5:30 p.m.