The Midwest Conference title race heats up after the Grinnell Pioneers won a crucial game in Darby Gymnasium on Wednesday February 4th, 100-85. Now, the Scots and Pioneers are tied for first place in league standings, with Grinnell having the upper hand with a better overall record, 16-3, compared to the Scots’ 16-5 record. This leaves no room for error for either squad, both having three weeks and four games remaining in the regular season.
The Scots shot out to an early 6-2 lead in the first two minutes and held off numerous Grinnell charges for the next four, leading 14-7 with under 13 minutes to play in the first half. The Pioneers eventually found their shooting touch though, and with their fast-paced style of play took the lead with nine minutes to play in the half. The Pioneers led the Scots 50-37 going into the locker room and would never look back in the second 20 minutes. They held off many rally attempts from the Scots and walked away with the win.
The Scots’ leading scorer for the evening was Cameron Thomas, who finished the night with a career high 37 points and six made three-point field goals. He also scored 10 of Monmouth’s first 12 second-half points. Thomas is followed in scoring by Zay Brown with 14 points and Max Maring with 8 points.
The men bounced back from this loss by winning at Ripon on Saturday 79-66. The Scots (17-5, put four starters in double figures, including Zay Brown who set a school record with his 32nd straight game of scoring at least 10 points.
Photo by Sports Information Department.