ELMHURST, Ill. -- Ripon College men's basketball fell on the road Tuesday night dropping an 84-57 decision to Elmhurst University.

The Red Hawks were competitive early, trading baskets with the Bluejays through the opening minutes. Ripon briefly gained momentum midway through the first half, but Elmhurst used a late surge to create separation before the break. The Bluejays carried a 40-30 advantage into halftime after shooting efficiently and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities.

Elmhurst continued to dictate the pace after halftime, extending its lead with consistent scoring and limiting Ripon's offensive rhythm. The Red Hawks were unable to cut into the deficit as the home team outscored Ripon 44-27 in the second half.

Senior Kolby Williams (New Orleans, La., Heights HS) led Ripon with 15 points, shooting an efficient 5-for-6 from the field while adding four rebounds. Junior Marshawn Robinson (Milwaukee, Wis., Waukesha South HS) finished with 10 points, four assists, and four rebounds, while sophomore Sam Leoni (Hartland, Wis., Arrowhead HS) provided a spark off the bench with 10 points. Sophomore Anton Kilde (Portage, Wis., Portage HS) added seven points, and senior C.J. Brown (Minneapolis, Minn., Minneapolis North Area HS) chipped in eight points and three assists.

As a team, Ripon shot 32.1 percent from the field and 30.4 percent from three-point range while going 16-for-20 from the free-throw line. The Red Hawks forced several turnovers early but struggled to sustain offensive consistency against a physical defensive effort.

Ripon will look to regroup as it opens the new year on the road at Monmouth College on Wednesday, Jan 7, with tipoff set for 5:30 p.m.