RIPON, Wis. -,Ripon dropped their eighth game in a row Saturday afternoon, losing to Knox by a score of 74-60 in a game which they only led for four minutes. Turnovers contributed to the result, as Knox forced 40 Ripon miscues, turning them into 24 points.

Ripon's largest lead of three came in the opening minutes on a Meg Ryan basket to give Ripon a 12-9 advantage. The game featured three ties, the last of which was followed by a 16-3 run by Knox, giving the Prairie Fire some breathing room. Ripon would cut that lead to single digits again just before halftime on a Nicole Herkert basket, as they entered the locker room trailing, 40-31.

The Red Hawks (1-10, 1-5 MWC) would cut the lead to eight several times in the second half, but couldn't get any closer than that. After a McKenzie Banasik basket cut the lead to eight with just over six minutes remaining, Knox (5-5, 3-2 MWC) ended the game on a 14-8 run.

Ripon finished the game shooting 40 percent (25-62) from the field, but converted just 39 percent (9-23) of their free throws. They were led by freshman Emma McDonald's first career double-double of 13 points and 14 rebounds, while adding four assists and two blocked shots. Herkert added 13 points and five rebounds, while Banasik chipped in with eight points and seven boards. The Red Hawks outrebounded Knox 56-33 on the day.

Knox also shot 40 percent (25-63) from the field, but made 57 percent (20-35) of their free throws. The Prairie Fire were led by 22 points from Jodi Marver. Naja Woods added 11 points on five-of-six shooting off the bench.

The Red Hawks will try to get back on the winning track Wednesday when they'll host Carroll University. That game will tip off at 5:30 p.m. in Ripon and can be seen live at,http://portal.stretchinternet.com/ripon/.