BELOIT, Wis. -- The Ripon College men's basketball team earned its long-awaited first win of the 2025-26 campaign on Tuesday evening, delivering its most complete performance of the season in a 59-46 road victory at Beloit. The Red Hawks (1-6, 1-0 MWC) paired toughness on the boards with timely scoring and a locked-in defensive effort, particularly in the second half, to secure a confident start to Midwest Conference play.
After a 24-24 tie at halftime, Ripon wasted no time shifting the momentum. The Red Hawks opened the second half with renewed energy: crashing the glass, creating clean looks inside, and stringing together stops. From the moment senior Kolby Williams (New Orleans, La., Heights HS) finished a putback just seconds into the half, Ripon never gave up the lead again.
Williams was the engine all night. The junior guard turned in one of the most impactful performances of his career, finishing with 12 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks. His physicality on the glass and ability to create second-chance opportunities set the tone for Ripon's 15 total second-chance points.
Alongside him, junior Seth Bunders (Wauzeka, Wis., Wauzeka-Steuben HS) delivered a standout showing with a game-high 18 points and 10 rebounds. Bunders hit two threes, attacked the paint relentlessly, and knocked down all four of his free throws in the final minute to help close the game out. His second-half scoring punch was crucial as Ripon steadily built its advantage.
The Red Hawks also received a major lift from the frontcourt, where sophomore Michael Asman (Kimberly, Wis., Kimberly HS) produced 16 points on 7-for-11 shooting. Whether stepping out to hit a three or finishing strong inside, Asman provided reliable scoring throughout the night.
Ripon's disciplined defensive execution anchored the win. The Red Hawks contested nearly every look, held Beloit to difficult late-clock shots, and controlled the tempo. Bench players such as sophomore Keenan Rahn (Omro, Wis., Omro HS), junior Jack Field (Wisconsin Dells, Wis., Marian University), and freshman Landon Lee (Marshfield, Wis., Marshfield HS) provided valuable minutes, helping sustain Ripon's defensive intensity and rebounding presence during key stretches.
Ball movement and composure also marked one of Ripon's cleanest offensive outings of the season. The Red Hawks assisted on 12 of their 24 made field goals and committed only 10 turnovers despite playing at an assertive pace. Sophomore Sam Leoni (Hartland, Wis., Arrowhead HS) contributed six points, six rebounds, three assists and senior CJ Brown (Minneapolis, Minn., Minneapolis North Area HS) contributed six points, three assists, two steals. They each made timely plays that helped Ripon maintain control, including Brown's fastbreak layup midway through the second half that stretched the lead to nine.
By the closing minutes, Ripon had fully seized control, using long, patient possessions and late free throws from Bunders to put the game away and earn a well-deserved first win of the season.
The Red Hawks now look to build on their momentum as they take on #3 ranked, UW-La Crosse, at 7:00 pm on Thursday, Dec 4, inside the Willmore Center.
