GALESBURG, Ill. – Off to its best start since the 2013-14 campaign, the Grinnell College men's basketball team geared up for next week's big showdown with a 126-87 win at Knox College Saturday.

The Pioneers moved to 13-4 overall and 9-2 in the Midwest Conference to remain in second place in the league standings, trailing only St. Norbert College. The Green Knights, unbeaten in MWC play, visit Grinnell Friday for what should prove to be an exciting contest.

Grinnell was again led by Vinny Curta '19, who had team-highs of 33 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Jackson Qualley '22 added career-highs of 28 points and six steals while hitting 7-of-10 shots from 3-point land, while Hannes Kogelnik '21 added 15 points and four assists.

Tyler Grumhaus '21 and Zachary Stice '21 added 13 and 12 points, respectively. Grumhaus also had a career-high three steals, one of 22 on the day for Grinnell. Patrick Simms '22 had a career-high four assists to go along with three steals, and Dawson Keller '21 blocked two shots.

Knox led for just a brief time in the game, the biggest margins at 6-3 and 8-5. But Grinnell answered with a nine-points run, as Grumhaus went wild with a 3-pointer, jumper and free throw and Qualley added a 3-pointer for a 14-8 Grinnell lead.

Later, leading by seven, Grinnell erupted for another nine-point run, all on treys by Kogelnik, to open up a 42-26 lead. Later in the half, Grinnell turned a 10-point lead into an 18-point edge with a 9-1 run. Geiman and Curta both had jumpers to start things. After a Knox free throw, Curta hit two charity shots and Qualley a 3-pointer to give Grinnell a 60-42 halftime lead. Grinnell continued to roll from there for its fourth win in a row. Knox, with the loss, fell to 1-16 overall and 0-10 in the MWC.

Friday's contest with St. Norbert on Friday is set to begin at 7:30 p.m.