MILWAUKEE, Wis. - Ripon erased a 9-0 deficit Wednesday night to defeat Wisconsin Lutheran by a score of 72-59. The Red Hawks shot 50 percent (30-60) from the field, while holding Wisconsin Lutheran to 39 percent (20-52) shooting. Ripon's defense also forced 20 turnovers, which they turned into 21 points, while also holding the Warriors to just seven percent (1-15) shooting from 3-point range.

Wisconsin Lutheran (0-2) made their first four shot attempts to take that early 9-0 lead just two minutes into the contest. With 13 minutes remaining in the half, WLC still led 15-6 when Ripon (2-0) began to show signs of life, going on a 16-2 run to take a five point lead on a pair of Tyler Semenas free throws with five and a half minutes remaining in the period. The Red Hawks ended the half on a 28-5 run to take a 34-20 halftime lead.

Ripon led by double digits for the remainder of the game, taking their largest lead mid-way through the second half when a Koy Brecklin layup put the Red Hawks up by 19 points. Ripon outscored Wisconsin Lutheran in the paint 44-28, while also holding a 10-2 advantage in fast break points.

Semenas led Ripon with 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting, to go along with three rebounds, three assists, and a game-high four steals. Brecklin added 14 points, six rebounds, and two blocks off the bench, while Isaac Masters scored 12 points, all of which came in the first half, in addition to four rebounds and a game-high five assists.

Wisconsin Lutheran was led by Collin Kennedy's double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds. Chase Nowak also scored 20 points, while adding four rebounds and four assists.

The Red Hawks will try to remain undefeated on Saturday when they'll travel to Loras College. That game will begin at 7 p.m. in Dubuque, Iowa, and can be seen live at http://www.duhawks.com/watch/?Live=1183&type=Live, with LiveStats available at http://www.sidearmstats.com/loras/mbball/.