GRINNELL, Iowa – After losing by six points at Beloit College a month ago, the Grinnell College men's basketball team was determined to gain revenge Tuesday night.
Mission accomplished for the Pioneers as they overcame a halftime deficit to post a 100-85 win over the Buccaneers at Darby Gymnasium. Grinnell ran its home winning streak against the Buccaneers to six games, dating back to 2016.
The Pioneers rode a balanced scoring attack and strong shooting from the free throw line, hitting 26-of-30 charity tosses for 86.7 percent. Aiden Gilbert '23 had 17 points to lead Grinnell, Mitch Priest '25 and Dean Mazlish '25 had 16 apiece, Adam Phillips '23 poured in 14 and David Bluder '25 scored 11. Phillips and Priest each had four 3-pointers, giving Phillips 231 for his career which ranks 15th in program history.
Mazlish's point total was a career-best, as were the five assists and five steals by Jackson Leone '25. Tolu Johnson '25 added seven rebounds for Grinnell (8-15, 4-11 Midwest Conference).
Grinnell forced 35 turnovers with the aid of 17 steals, pushing its steals total to 329 this season. That ranks 19th in program history.
The teams fought on even terms the entire first half, with Beloit (7-17, 3-12 MWC) holding a 52-50 edge at intermission. In the second half, the Buccaneers led by five before the Pioneers put together a pivotal 10-0 run to take the lead for good. Mazlish began the run with a 3-pointer, Gilbert hit two free throws and Priest sank a trey. Johnson then made a pair of free throws, making it 63-58 in favor of the hosts. Beloit never got closer than three the rest of the game as Grinnell cruised to victory.
The Pioneers will close out their campaign Saturday by hosting Lake Forest College at 5 p.m. The contest will also mark Grinnell's Senior Day, with the ceremony happening between the women's and men's games.