RIPON, Wis. – After returning from the Lone Star State, the Yellowjacket men's basketball team saw action in the Midwest, traveling to Ripon College for a non-conference contest Saturday. Last season was the first meeting between Ripon and UWS, as Superior came away with a 71-65 victory inside the Mertz.
 
Fast forward to Saturday in Ripon, the 'Jackets managed to stay within five at the break, but the Red Hawks built a stable lead in the second half to secure a 60-49 victory over Superior.
 
Game Notes

• Ripon took an early 4-0 lead, but the Yellowjacket trio of T.J. Moberg (Champlin, Minn./Champlin Park), Reid Johnson (Chatfield, Minn./Chatfield) and Andrew Beers (Slinger, Wis./Slinger) scored seven unanswered points. From there both teams traded points and the lead past the midway point of the opening half.
• J'Vaun Walker (Rosharon, Texas/Manvel) and Joey Barker (Superior, Wis./Superior Senior) helped push the game at 23-23 with five minutes left in the first, but Ripon countered with a pair of jumpers and a shot beyond the arc. Johnson nailed a midrange shot inside the paint to keep Superior within five heading into halftime.
• It took both teams nearly five minutes to orchestrate offense in the second half, but once they did it was back-and-forth for the next three minutes. Andrew Kunelius (Caledonia, Minn./Caledonia), alongside Johnson would provide Superior's offense before Ripon took over.
• UW-Superior came within five at the 13:18 mark, but the Red Hawks extended their lead by as much as 17. Walker garnered the final nine points of the game, but Ripon stormed ahead and took a 60-49 victory inside Doc Weiske Memorial Gymnasium.
• Walker led the way with 18 total points, garnering five rebounds and stealing four. Barker and Johnson each came away with eight points, while Andrew Beers (Slinger, Wis./Slinger) led defensively with eight boards.
• The Red Hawks had four players in double-digit figures, including Luke Meinholz who came away with a double-double.

 
The Yellowjackets return to the hardwood next Saturday, taking on UW-Eau Claire. The opening tipoff is set for 3 p.m. inside the Sonnentag Center.
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