EUREKA, Ill. – Cornell used its size and strength to power past Eureka in a season-opening 82-68 men's basketball win Friday night inside Reagan Gym.
 
The Rams (1-0) dominated the home team with a 56-36 rebounding advantage, which included 15 offensive boards. Cornell accounted for 38 points in the paint, to the Blue Devils' 12.
 
Senior Marcus Quirk led the effort with a double-double of 23 points and 11 rebounds. He hit four 3-pointers and also had three blocked shots, sharing team-high honors with Logan Sharp.
 
Cooper Kabela tossed in 24 points on an efficient 9-of-14 shooting night from the field and grabbed seven rebounds. Jordan Magnani and newcomer Julian Cleary netted 11 points apiece, with Cleary draining three 3-pointers.
 
Sharp provided eight points and eight rebounds. Logan Christensen and Izic Mackey gave the Rams seven and six rebounds, respectively, off the bench.
 
Sharp's putback of his own miss opened the scoring on Cornell's first possession. The Rams played with the lead the rest of the game.
 
The Rams led 43-31 at halftime. Eureka (0-1) never drew closer than five points in the second half.
 
Cornell plays host to rival Coe in a 7:30 p.m. Bremner Cup contest Monday in the Small Sport Center.