RIPON, Wis. - The Red Hawks won a critical Midwest Conference game Saturday afternoon, defeating Monmouth College 86-72 to move into third place in the MWC standings. Eleven players scored at least two points for Ripon, which shot 52 percent (31-60) from the field and 38 percent (9-24) from 3-point range.

The two teams exchanged baskets for the first seven minutes, with neither team leading by more than four during that span. Monmouth (9-5, 6-4 MWC) tried to take command of the game mid-way through the half, taking a seven-point lead before Ripon (9-6, 7-3 MWC) went on an 11-3 run to grab a one-point lead with just under five minutes remaining before halftime. After Monmouth answered with a basket on the ensuing possession, Ripon ended the half on a 9-2 run to take a six-point halftime lead.

The Red Hawks continued that momentum in the second half, beginning the period on a 21-7 to take a 20-point advantage. That run was capped by three consecutive 3-pointers by Ty Ketz, who scored 17 points in the second half. Ripon never led by less than 14 the rest of the way.

Ketz finished the game with 26 points on 8-of-12 shooting, including 4-of-6 from 3-point range, to go along with seven rebounds, three assists and three steals. Ty Sabin added 20 points and a team-high four assists, while Justin Leistikow scored 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting in 18 minutes of action.

Monmouth was led by Will Jones' 15 points, nine rebounds, four assists and four steals. Riley Blea added 13 points in 10 minutes off the bench, while Andrew Mathison scored eight points and pulled down five rebounds. Monmouth shot 41 percent (28-68) from the field and 41 percent (9-22) from the free throw line.

Ripon will try to build on this victory Wednesday at Lawrence University. That game will begin at 5:30 p.m. in Appleton, Wis. and can be live at http://portal.stretchinternet.com/ripon/.