GRINNELL, Iowa - Having shown in several instances this season it can win in blowout fashion, the Grinnell College men's basketball team proved Wednesday night it can do so in nail-biter style, as well.

The Pioneers battled Ripon College on even terms for the duration, eventually emerging with a 99-97 victory in Midwest Conference play at Darby Gymnasium.

Gabe Garcia '27 provided the game-winner for Grinnell, slicing through the lane for a layup with just over 2 seconds to play. After a Ripon timeout, the Red Hawks threw the ball away to all but secure the home team's victory.

Grinnell, which improved to 3-1 in the league and 11-3 in all games, was led by Garcia's 27 points. He was aided by 11-of-13 free throw shooting. Kai Te Huki '27 poured in 13, hitting all six of his free throw tries, Jordan Lee '27 scored 12 and Sean Murphy '26 tallied 10.

Tolu Johnson '25 led the team in rebounds with nine, Harris Dar '28 dished out eight assists and Jackson Leone '25 came up with five steals.

Ripon, 1-3 in the MWC and 4-9 overall, led 49-48 at halftime and pushed its margin to seven points with 8:17 remaining in the game. But the Pioneers clawed their way back, finally going ahead 88-87 on Lee's 3-pointer with 4:58 left.

Grinnell continued to hold command, going up by three with 2:31 left on Garcia's layup. However, the Red Hawks battled back to force a tie at 97-all on a jumper with 14 seconds left. That set the stage for Garcia's late heroics.

Grinnell entertains Lawrence University Saturday at Darby, beginning at 3 p.m.