GALESBURG, IL - The Knox College men's basketball team defeated Ripon College 54-49 Saturday afternoon. 

The Prairie Fire took a quick 15-5 lead in the first half. Knox kept their lead for the rest of the first half, outscoring the Redhawks 31-15 at the half.

The Redhawks came out in the second half looking to close the gap. Ripon came close to taking over the lead with a 12 point run in the second half, leaving the Prairie Fire with only a one point lead. The Fire managed to stay ahead and on top, claiming a 54-49 victory over Ripon for their second conference win of the season.

Andrew Milot led the Prairie Fire with 15 points. Sean O'neal added 10 points and eight rebounds. Sean Gallery and Cole Andrews tallied eight points and six rebounds apiece. 

"That was a big time win" said Head Coach Ben Davis. "For as long as I can remember, Ripon has been a top team in the Midwest Conference and it is a big confidence booster for our team to get a win tonight. We had some stretches tonight that we struggled offensively, especially during the second half. We won this game with great defensive effort over a really talented Ripon squad. Good teams find ways to win, even on an off night, and that's what we did."

Prairie Fire men's basketball will return to action on Friday, December 15th for a non-conference home match-up against Emmaus Bible College.