GRINNELL, Iowa – The Prairie Fire couldn't keep up with Grinnell College's offensive firepower in a 116-84 Midwest Conference loss on Wednesday.

The Pioneers ran out to an 11-2 lead in the first four minutes that grew to as large as 14 when Knox charged back.

The Prairie Fire (6-16, 4-13) trimmed the deficit to 27-22 on a layup by first-year Grant Billimack (Metamora, IL, Metamora) with 8:25 remaining when Grinnell scored five unanswered points to go back up by 10.  Knox put together a 12-3 run over the next four minutes, capped by two free throws from senior Mitch Murphy (Bushnell, IL, Bushnell-Prairie City) that closed the gap to 35-34.

The Pioneers knocked down four 3-point baskets and outscored the Prairie Fire 18-8 over the final four minutes of the half for a 53-42 lead at the break.

Grinnell (13-9, 11-6 MWC) opened the second half scoring with another long-range jumper while Knox went over four minutes without a basket until first-year DJ Lewis (Chino Hills, CA, Chino Hills) broke the ice with a lay-in that made the score 60-45.

The Pioneers stretched the lead to 25 midway through the second half to put the game out of reach.

Grinnell shot 40 percent overall, hit 21 shots from 3-point range, and scored 40 points off of 27 turnovers by the Prairie Fire.

Knox shot 44 percent, including 4-of-9 attempts from beyond the arc, and finished 14-of-27 from the foul line.

First-year Orlando Brown (Chicago, IL, Hinsdale South) led the Prairie Fire in scoring with 15 points followed by Murphy with 12.  Sophomore Mike Martin (Metamora, IL, Metamora) had a big night on the glass with a game-high 14 rebounds to go with nine points.

Knox returns home to play Ripon College in the season finale on Saturday at 3:00 p.m.