FOND Du LAC, Wis. - Holding a 40-24 halftime lead, Ripon looked like it would coast to a victory over Marian Wednesday night. They did earn the win, but it wasn't easy, as Marian's second half rally fell just short in a 63-61 Red Hawks victory.

Ripon (2-1) never trailed in the game, taking a 9-2 lead three minutes into the contest. The Red Hawks took their first double-digit lead of the night with just under 10 and a half minutes remaining on a jumper by Brendan McCoy. They led by as many as 20 points in the period and took a 16-point lead into intermission. One reason for Ripon's first half success was their 64 percent (14-22) shooting, while holding the Sabres to 36 percent (9-25) shooting.

After Ripon extended their lead to 19 early in the second half, Marian (0-2) used a 16-5 run to cut the lead to single digits with 13 minutes remaining. The Red Hawks would extend the lead to double digits yet again, only to see Marian answer back, going on another run of 14-3 to cut the lead to three with three and a half minutes to play. They would pull to within two points in the final minute and despite the Red Hawks missing five of their final seven free throws, could never take the lead. Ripon shot an uncharacteristic 55 percent (11-20) from the free throw line and 27 percent (6-22) from the field in the second half, which assisted Marian in their attempted comeback, while the Sabres converted 50 percent (14-28) of their second half shots.

Ty Sabin led the Red Hawks with 23 points, to go along with six rebounds and three assists. Kyle Loughrin added 10 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Jordan Stiede tied a career-high with eight points.

Marian was led by Josh Creed's 20 points and four rebounds, while Alex Stecker chipped in with 10 points and a game-high five assists. Isiah Daniels added 10 points and a game-high eight rebounds (four offensive) off the bench.

The Red Hawks will now get ready for Midwest Conference play, which will open Saturday at Lawrence University. That game will begin at 3 p.m. in Appleton, Wis. and can be seen live at http://portal.stretchinternet.com/ripon/.