GRINNELL, Iowa – Beating Lawrence University at Darby Gymnasium has become familiar territory for the Grinnell College men's basketball team.
 
The Pioneers stretched their home winning streak against the Vikings to 11 games with a 105-69 Midwest Conference victory Saturday afternoon.
 
The last time the Vikings tasted victory in Darby was the 2009 MWC Tournament title game.
 
Patrick Simms '22 led Grinnell's balanced attack with 20 points, while Adam Phillips '23 added 15 and David Bluder '25 put in 13. Phillips was 5-of-9 from beyond the arc.
 
Jackson Leone '25 contributed 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting from 3-point land and Dean Mazlish '23 added a career-high 11, making 3-of-4 shots from 3-point range. Dillon Gestring '25 tacked on 10 points.
 
Tommy Smith '22 and Will Bebee '22 grabbed 10 and nine rebounds, respectively, for Grinnell. Bebee also blocked four shots and collected three steals. Simms dished out six assists.
 
Grinnell (4-4, 1-2 MWC) bolted out to a quick 6-0 lead on treys by Phillips and Mazlish. Holding just a two-point lead a bit later, the Pioneers all but decided the game over the next few minutes with a 12-2 run.
 
Simms began things with a layup and Leone hit a 3-pointer for a 15-8 edge. After Lawrence (2-4, 1-1 MWC) got a basket, Mitch Priest '25 drained a 3-pointer and Smith and Mazlish each got layups for a 22-10 lead at the 15:03 mark.
 
Grinnell's lead never went below double digits after that while opening a 58-37 halftime lead. The Pioneers continued their momentum into the second half, holding a 47-32 edge in the final 20 minutes.
 
The final margin of victory is Grinnell's largest over Lawrence since a 137-99 home win in 2017.
 
The Pioneers are at home again Wednesday when Cornell College visits Darby Gymnasium. Tip-off is at 5:30 p.m.