GRINNELL, Iowa – The wins keep coming for the Grinnell College men's basketball team as the Pioneers are off to their best start in Midwest Conference play since the 2011-12 campaign.

The Pioneers took care of Illinois College 101-87 Sunday at Darby Gymnasium to remain perfect in the league at 5-0. Grinnell also earned its seventh consecutive win, the longest streak for the program since 2011-12. At 9-2 overall, the Pioneers are off to their best start since 2013-14.

Vinny Curta '19 was nearly flawless at the free throw line, making 14-of-15 shots to finish with a game-high 32 points to go along with four assists and three steals. Hannes Kogelnik '21 hit 8-of-15 shots from 3-point land and had 24 points, while Ky-Sean Johnson '19 and Jackson Qualley '22 each added 10 points. Qualley also had a career-high six rebounds and four assists, while Johnson came up with three steals.

Patrick Simms '22 contributed a career-high four steals and Brad Geiman '21 blocked three shots.

The Pioneers trailed just once, that coming at 2-0. Later, leading by one, they put the game away with a 21-1 run. Curta and Qualley each made a pair of free throws and Kogelnik and Johnson added 3-pointers for a 22-11 lead.

After Griffin Boehm '19 scored, the Blueboys made a free throw. But then it was all Grinnell again, as Curta scored three baskets and Kogelnik connected on another long ball for a 33-12 lead with 11:00 left in the first half.

The Pioneers kept going, taking a 61-31 lead into the locker room and cruising in the second half to send the Blueboys to 1-4 in the MWC and 3-7 overall.

Grinnell is off until Jan. 2 when it plays at Monmouth College. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.