GRINNELL, Iowa – Grinnell College's men's basketball team made several charges after Kenyon College had pulled ahead late, but in the end the visitors eked out a 101-95 victory at Darby Gymnasium Monday night.
 
The team from Gambier, Ohio, coached by Grinnell player Mitch Priest's '25 father, Dan, improved to 4-1 with the win while the Pioneers slipped to 2-4.
 
Aiden Gilbert '23 erupted for 31 points for the Pioneers, while Adam Phillips '23 poured in 14 and Dillon Gestring '25 added 13. Gestring also had five boards and Dean Mazlish '23 collected a career-best six steals. Gilbert was credited with four assists.
 
Grinnell opened up a seven-point lead in the first half when Gestring's 3-pointer at the 6:18 mark made it 34-27. However, the visitors countered and were up 49-43 at the break.
 
The game was back and forth the first part of the second half before the visitors went on a run and built their cushion to five at 82-77 with 6:56 left. Grinnell wasn't done, though, and eventually took an 84-82 lead on Jackson Leone's '25 trey with 4:26 left.
 
Kenyon went ahead a short time later, but again the Pioneers charged back and tied things at 92-all on Phillips' free throws at the 2:25 mark.
 
Kenyon answered with a four-point run and fended off the Pioneers from there to earn the win.
 
Grinnell has more than a week off before stepping back into Midwest Conference play next Tuesday against Knox College. Action at Darby Gymnasium is slated for 7:30 p.m.