MOUNT VERNON – First-year A'ryn Jackson gave Cornell a huge lift off the bench and the Rams pulled away late for a 57-49 women's basketball win over Illinois College Wednesday night inside the Small Athletic and Wellness Center.
 
Cornell (8-8 overall, 7-2 Midwest Conference) completed a season sweep of the Lady Blues (6-12 overall, 4-6 MWC) and kept hold of third place in the league standings.
 
It was a career night in virtually all aspects for Jackson, who posted team-highs of 14 points and five steals to go with eight rebounds over a productive 23 minutes. The 5-foot-6 guard contributed 10 points and four steals after intermission.
 
Senior post Madison Wauters had her way in the paint, tallying 12 points and a game-high 13 rebounds. She recorded her sixth double-double of the season.
 
The Rams broke open a tight, intense game with a 19-12 scoring run in the fourth quarter. Madison Osborn drained a 3-pointer that pushed Cornell ahead 49-40 with 3:41 remaining.
 
Illinois College closed within 49-45 with 1:34 to go. Cornell answered by hitting 8-of-10 free throws the rest of the way, the final two coming from Jackson.
 
Sophomore Karli Artman also provided a spark in a reserve role, netting a career-best 10 points with three 3-point goals. Osborn and Kali March pitched in eight points apiece. Mia Murray added six rebounds and three steals.
 
The Rams finished the contest 16-of-21 shooting from the foul line and held a decisive 46-33 advantage on the boards. The Lady Blues were limited to 33.9-percent shooting from the field.
 
Coming up – Cornell plays host to league contender Ripon (12-6 overall, 8-1 MWC) at 1 p.m. Saturday.