Vikings snuff out Prairie Fire

GALESBURG, Ill. — The Lawrence University men’s basketball team held off a late rally by Knox College on Wednesday night and posted a 74-69 Midwest Conference victory.

All five starters scored in double figures for Lawrence (4-2, 3-0 MWC), which remained unbeaten in league play.

Conor Klusendorf and Erik Borresen both posted double-doubles for the Vikings. Klusendorf had 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Borresen scored 13 points and grabbed 11 boards.

Jon Mays led Lawrence with 19 points, and Tyler Crisman added 17 points. Chris Siebert chipped in with 10 points and a team-high seven assists.

Joe Kozak led Knox (1-7, 0-5) and all scorers with 27 points, and he pulled down a game-high eight rebounds.

Lawrence opened the game up early in the second half. The Vikings went on a 16-6 run, capped by Klusendorf’s jumper, to grab a 53-42 lead with 13:48 remaining.

The Vikings built the lead to 13 points before Knox rallied. Knox scored 12 consecutive points to trim Lawrence’s lead to 61-60 with 4:25 left.

Borresen then hit a jumper for the Vikings, and Klusendorf followed with a 3-pointer. Siebert then hit a jumper and Lawrence pushed the lead back to 68-60.

After Kozak hit a 3-pointer, Knox was forced to foul. Lawrence hit 6 of 8 free throws in the final 47 seconds to seal the victory.

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