JACKSONVILLE, Ill. - After suffering a pair of tough road losses to begin the new year, the Grinnell College men's basketball team was more than hungry for a win.

The Pioneers delivered on that desire Wednesday night, as they pulled away late to knock off Illinois College 106-95 in Midwest Conference play to improve to 6-2 in the league and 10-4 overall. The Blueboys dipped ot 2-6 in the MWC and 4-11 overall.

Ky-Sean Johnson '19 had a big game for Grinnell with 24 points, while Jackson Qualley '22 tallied 14 points and Hannes Kogelnik '21 scored 11. Vinny Curta '19 recorded his second double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 assists, Brad Geiman '21 contributed 10 points and seven rebounds, Patrick Simms '22 came up with two steals and Will Bebee '22 blocked two shots.

Illinois College led by 13 in the first half and was still up by seven with three minutes to go before Grinnell caught fire, going on a nine-point run with 3-pointers by Zachary Stice '21, Johnson and Curta for a 44-42 edge. After the Blueboy tied things, Simms had a 3-pointer and Kogelnik a trey as the Pioneers pushed ahead 52-48 by the half.

It was tight much of the second half before the Pioneers dealt their decisive blow. Leading by two points at the 7:16 mark, Grinnell went on an 8-1 run as Johnson hit a 3-pointer and sank two free throws and Qualley made a charity shot and layup for a 93-84 edge with 4:05 left. The hosts closed within eight before Grinnell got a layup and 3-pointer from Johnson to shut the door.

Grinnell returns to Darby Gymnasium Saturday when Lawrence University visits for a 3 p.m. matchup.