CARLINVILLE, Ill. - The Grinnell College men's basketball team has proved itself a true road warrior thus far, remaining perfect in away games with a 125-91 non-conference victory at Blackburn College Saturday afternoon.
The Pioneers, 4-0 on the road this season and 9-2 overall, have won nine of their last 10 outings while getting big performances from several players. Kai Te Huki '27 led a five-player charge to score in double figures with 29 points, while Gabe Garcia '27 added 18 and Jordan Lee '27 tallied 15. Lee also had a career-high three steals.
Ryan Tarighi '27 added a career-best 12 points, the same total posted by Sean Murphy '26. Tolu Johnson '25 was also a huge force, tallying career-highs of 11 rebounds and four steals. Nick Courtney '26 added career-bests of four steals and three assists, while Zach Rosen '26 also had three assists.
Grinnell trailed by six midway through the first half before breaking out with a 13-2 run. Murphy made consecutive free throws and Carson DeBruhl '27 scored inside to make it a two-point game. After a Blackburn basket, Te Huki sank a jumper and Sean Walser '26 made two free throws to force a tie.
Tarighi put Grinnell ahead with a basket, Te Huki sank a free throw and Dillon Gestring '25 drained two free throws to make it a 33-28 Pioneer lead.
Grinnell kept building its lead, taking a 61-50 cushion into the locker room. Blackburn, 4-7, never got within single digits in the second half as the visitors cruised to victory.
The Pioneers jump back into Midwest Conference play Thursday with a game at Ripon College. Tip-off is 5:30 p.m.
Grinnell men bounce Blackburn to remain unbeaten on the road in 2023-24
Grinnell
125
Blackburn
91
Final | 1 | 2 | T |
---|---|---|---|
Grinnell (8-2) | 61 | 64 | 125 |
Blackburn (4-6) | 50 | 41 | 91 |
Dec 30, 2023