RIPON, Wis. -- Ripon College men's basketball competed in a home Midwest Conference matchup against Monmouth College on Saturday afternoon inside Weiske Gymnasium, falling by a 79-66 final.

The Red Hawks opened the game with strong energy, moving the ball well and attacking offensively to stay close early. Senior Kolby Williams (New Orleans, La., Heights HS) led Ripon with 13 points and eight rebounds, while also going 9-for-10 at the free throw line. Junior Jack Field (Wisconsin Dells, Wis., Marian University) chipped in 10 points, knocking down a pair of three-pointers and providing a defensive presence inside with two blocks.

Ripon remained within striking distance throughout the first half, shooting efficiently at the free throw line and limiting extra possessions. Senior CJ Brown (Minneapolis, Minn., Minneapolis North Area HS) and sophomore Sam Leoni (Hartland, Wis., Arrowhead HS) each connected from beyond the arc as the Red Hawks worked to close the gap. Ripon headed into halftime down nine but showed resilience coming out of the locker room.

In the second half, junior Marshawn Robinson (Milwaukee, Wis., Waukesha South HS) provided a spark off the bench, scoring 19 points on an efficient 7-of-9 shooting performance. Robinson consistently attacked the basket and helped generate momentum during key stretches. Sophomore Keenan Rahn (Omro, Wis., Omro HS) added six points in limited minutes, while sophomore Anton Kilde (Portage, Wis., Portage HS) and junior Seth Bunders (Wauzeka, Wis., Wauzeka-Steuben HS) contributed on both ends of the floor with hustle plays and defensive effort.

Ripon cut the deficit to just one possession midway through the second half and continued to battle defensively, sharing the ball and finishing with 10 assists on 21 made field goals. However, the Red Hawks were unable to complete the comeback down the stretch.

The Red Hawks will look to bounce back as they return to Weiske Gymnasium on Tuesday, Feb 10, hosting Cornell College. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30pm.