Box Score

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - The Red Hawks began their first game of the 2013-14 season on the right note, as Kyle Loughrin nailed a 3-pointer on the team's initial possession. That would be Ripon's only lead of the contest however, as Aurora University went on a 28-6 run in the next nine minutes, en route to an 83-75 victory over the Red Hawks.

Ripon (0-1) shot 32.4 percent (12-37) from the field in the first half, while Aurora converted 54.5 percent (18-33) of their shots in the first period. Despite falling behind by 19 points midway through the half, the Red Hawks were able to cut Aurora's lead to nine on a jumper by Brad Brooks with less than one minute to play. Aurora's Sean Gant would add a layup just before intermission, to give Aurora an 11-point halftime lead.

Back-to-back 3-pointers by Aurora's Nick Kladas and Tyler Hall opened the second half and extended AU's lead to 17 in the first minute of the period. The lead remained in double digits until the two and a half minute mark when a pair of David Klink free throws cut the lead to nine. Three consecutive Ripon baskets in the final minute and a half cut the lead to five with 30 seconds remaining, but that would be as close as Ripon would get the rest of the way.

Loughrin led the Red Hawks with a career-high 24 points, while also grabbing six rebounds. Klink added 15 points and six rebounds in his first collegiate game, while Brooks recorded his fifth career double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Freshmen Ty Sabin added 10 points and four rebounds, while fellow first-year player Mason Stangl recorded eight points and nine rebounds off the bench.

Aurora finished the game shooting 50.7 percent (35-69) from the field. They were led by Hall, Kalmon Stokes and Scott Laskowski, whom each scored 18 points. Brandon Smith also chipped in with 11 points, four rebounds and six assists.

The Red Hawks will now face Manchester University Saturday at 5 p.m. LiveStats for that game will be available at http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/iwu.portal#.