STEVENS POINT, Wis. -- Ripon men's basketball opened play at the UW-Stevens Point Tournament on Friday evening, falling 73-58 to a strong Millikin squad inside Quandt Fieldhouse. The Red Hawks battled through a tight first half, trailing just 33-28 at the break, but Millikin pulled away with a surge early in the second half and maintained control the rest of the way.

Junior guard Seth Bunders (Wauzeka, Wis., Wauzeka-Steuben HS) led Ripon with 15 points, knocking down three triples and grabbing six rebounds. Senior guard CJ Brown (Minneapolis, Minn., Minneapolis North Area HS) added 14 points and a team-high three steals, giving the Red Hawks a boost on both ends. Junior forward Jack Field (Wisconsin Dells, Wis., Marian University) contributed eight points, all in the first half, while senior forward Kolby Williams (New Orleans, La., Heights HS) tallied seven points and a team-best eight rebounds. Sophomore forward Anton Kilde (Portage, Wis., Portage HS) chipped in seven points off the bench.

Ripon matched Millikin with eight made threes and forced 14 turnovers, but the Big Blue's 46-26 rebounding advantage and 20 second-chance points proved to be the difference.

The Red Hawks continue tournament play on Saturday, Nov 22, with their second game of the UWSP Tournament.