RIPON, Wis. – The Elmhurst University men's basketball team opened its 2026-27 season with an 81-52 road victory over Ripon College on Saturday afternoon inside Doc Weiske '50 Memorial Gymnasium.
The Bluejays featured a balanced offensive attack, with three players scoring in double figures. Elmhurst (1-0) shot 46.9 percent (30-of-64) from the field and knocked down nine 3-pointers, while holding Ripon (0-1) to 33.3 percent (19-of-57) shooting.
Dominic Trelenberg led all scorers with 19 points, shooting 6-of-12 from the floor and 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. With his performance, Trelenberg also surpassed the 1,000-point milestone for his collegiate career, becoming the 30
th Bluejay in program history to reach the achievement.
Aidyn Boone followed with 14 points, five rebounds and three assists.
EJ Marshall added 11 points off the bench, while
Chris Ketchum contributed eight points and a team-high 10 rebounds.
Elmhurst got off to a slow start, falling behind 4-0 in the opening minutes before finding its rhythm. Marshall's fast-break layup off a steal put the Bluejays ahead, 8-7, for the first time.
The teams traded baskets early, but Elmhurst began to create separation as the half progressed. Trelenberg and
Andy Colvin helped keep the offense moving, while the Bluejays' defensive pressure forced turnovers and created transition opportunities. Elmhurst carried a 39-24 advantage into halftime.
The Blue and White continued to build on their lead after the break, outscoring Ripon 42-28 in the second half. Elmhurst's perimeter shooting improved significantly, knocking down eight 3-pointers in the final 20 minutes after making just one in the first half.
Trelenberg led the second-half offensive effort, while Boone provided another scoring option from the perimeter.
Luke Smith also contributed two 3-pointers, helping Elmhurst maintain its offensive momentum.
Elmhurst's depth played a major role in the victory, with the Bluejay bench accounting for 39 points. The team also held a significant advantage in the paint, outscoring Ripon, 40-18, and recording 19 fast-break points.
Up Next: The Bluejays host the DePauw University Tigers in their home-opener on Wednesday, Nov. 11. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. from R.A. Faganel Hall.
