MOUNT VERNON – Cornell's men's basketball team concluded a five-game home stretch against American Rivers Conference leader Central Saturday, falling 70-58 inside the Small Athletic and Wellness Center.
The Rams competed to the end with Central's huge front line that featured two 6-foot-10 starters, including Joshua Van Gorp who went for 26 points and 11 rebounds.
The Dutch (8-3) built a 13-point lead at halftime and held Cornell to 34.9-percent shooting for the game. Cornell (3-9) outscored the visitors, 33-32, after intermission.
Sophomore
Jayden Meeker paced the Rams with 16 points, highlighted by a breakaway dunk in the late stages of the game. He sank 5-of-5 free throws and also collected four steals.
Zach Ingle gave the Rams a lift in his return to the lineup, totaling 12 points and eight rebounds.
Logan Sharp added eight points and six rebounds.
The Dutch took control with a 12-0 spurt late in the second half, pushing their lead to 38-23. The margin expanded to 22 points in the second half before Cornell chipped away late.
Central outrebounded the Rams, 39-33, and owned a 36-20 advantage in paint points.
Coming up – Cornell travels to play Wartburg at 1 p.m. Dec. 31 in Waverly.
