GRINNELL, Iowa – Just how much does Grinnell College love the home court in its men's basketball series with Knox College?
 
Enough that the Pioneers posted their 20th consecutive home win over the Prairie Fire Saturday afternoon with a 121-94 decision. The streak spans both old and new Darby Gymnasiums, dating back to December 1, 1999.
 
Aiden Gilbert '23 scored 28 points and had a career-best six assists for the Pioneers, who are 6-4 in the Midwest Conference and 10-7 overall. Jackson Qualley '22 added 25 points, six assists and three steals, while Hannes Kogelnik '21 tallied 12 points.
 
Will Bebee '22 had a monstrous game inside with eight rebounds and six blocks, as Grinnell finished with 12 blocks as a team. That ranks fifth in Pioneer history. Tyler Grumhaus '21 added a career-best five steals and Brad Geiman '21 four blocks.
 
In typical Pioneer fashion, the hosts used a big first-half run to pull away. Leading by just seven in the first half, Geiman converted a thundering dunk and Christian Brookens '22 made two free throws for a 37-26 edge.
 
The Prairie Fire twice came within 10, but Grinnell shut the door with a 13-point run as Kogelnik delivered on a 3-pointer, Brookens a layup, Qualley a jumper, Brady Vest '21 a 3-pointer and Grumhaus a trey for a 52-29 lead.
 
The Pioneers led 66-44 at halftime and never looked back as Knox fell to 2-8 in the MWC and 6-11 in all games.
 
By going 4-of-9 from long range, Kogelnik moved up to 11th on Grinnell's career 3-pointers list with 271.
 
The Pioneers play St. Norbert College Friday in De Pere, Wis. Game time is 5:30 p.m.