RIPON, Wis. - Ripon's men's basketball team defeated UW-Whitewater 82-77 Friday night in a game that saw the lead change hands three times in the second half. The Red Hawks shot 52 percent (25-48) from the field, including 50 percent (9-18) from 3-point range, while also converting 85 percent (23-27) of their free throws.

Ripon (6-3) came out firing, scoring nine of the game's first 10 points and taking their first double-digit lead of the day on a Drew Jorgensen jumper with 12 minutes left in the opening half. The Red Hawks would lead by as many as 18 points, but that lead would evaporate thanks to a 20-2 run to tie the game at 36. UW-Whitewater (7-3) would score the final four points of the half, giving them a 40-36 lead at intermission.

The Warhawks' momentum continued into the second half, which saw them score the first seven points, taking an 11-point advantage with 15 minutes remaining. With Ripon trailing 57-43, the Red Hawks made one final push with an 18-3 run, and would take a nine-point lead late in the game, while holding UW-Whitewater at arm's length to record the victory.

Ripon was led by Drew Jorgensen's career-high 22 points. David DeValk and Ryan Steffes added 16 points apiece, while Jaylen Mahone scored 11.

Derek Gray led UW-Whitewater with 19 points, while Jack Brahm and JT Hoytink added 13 and 11 points, respectively.

Ripon will be in action again on Saturday when they'll host Bethany Lutheran College at 3 p.m. That game can be seen live at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/ripon/.