For the second consecutive season, Ripon's men's basketball team opened their conference season with an overtime victory against Lawrence. The Red Hawks defeated the Vikings 88-80 Saturday afternoon, coming back from four points down with 27 seconds remaining in regulation to tie the game and win in the extra frame. The win also gives the Red Hawks their seventh consecutive win against Lawrence and keeps head coach Ryan Kane undefeated against the Vikings.

Ripon (1-1, 1-0 MWC) took an early six-point lead on a Ty Sabin jumper, but that lead would be short-lived, as Lawrence (1-2, 0-1 MWC) used an 18-2 run to take a 10-point lead mid-way through the first half. The Vikings continued to lead until the one minute mark when Sabin connected on a 3-pointer, giving Ripon a one-point lead. Lawrence's Jamie Nikitas quickly answered with a layup on the other end to give Lawrence the lead at halftime.

The Red Hawks came out firing in the second half, led by Sabin, who connected on another 3-pointer on the halves first possession. That was the beginning of a 15-4 Ripon run that gave them a 10-point lead just four and a half minutes into the period. The Red Hawks still led by 10 with just over six minutes left in regulation, but that quickly changed when Lawrence scored 10 consecutive points in the next two minutes to tie the score at 61. Lawrence would take a four-point lead with 27 seconds left in the half when Ripon made one final push. After making the first of two free throws with 19 seconds on the clock, Ripon missed the second, but Isaac Masters was there for the rebound and kick out to Sabin, who was fouled on a 3-point shot. Sabin would then sink all three of his free throws to send the game to an extra period.

In overtime, the two teams traded baskets for the first couple minutes. a pair of Ty Ketz free throws and a layup by Sabin gave the Red Hawks a five-point lead with under two minutes remaining. Ripon would secure the win by converting nine of their 10 free throws in overtime, including their final six.

Sabin led the Red Hawks with 34 points, to go along with a career-high eight rebounds. Koy Brecklin added career-highs of 17 points and 10 rebounds, while also recording two assists and two steals. Ketz also chipped in with 21 points, making three 3-pointers and all eight of his free throws. The Red Hawks finished the game shooting 46 percent (25-55) from the field.

Lawrence was led by Nikitas' 34 points, nine rebounds, five assists and three steals. Troy Miller added 16 points for the Vikings, including four 3-pointers. Lawrence shot 44 percent (28-64) from the field.

The Red Hawks will be in action again on Tuesday when they'll travel to Wisconsin Lutheran. That game will begin at 7 p.m. in Milwaukee.