MOUNT VERNON – The Rams hung around with CCIW contender Illinois Wesleyan into the third quarter before the Titans broke free for a 70-55 women's basketball win Saturday night at the Cornell Classic.   
 
Senior forward Rachael Adewusi paced Cornell (0-2) with nine points and a game-high 11 rebounds in 25 productive minutes. The Rams received 27 points from their bench, including eight apiece from Bradie Buffington and A'ryn Jackson.
 
The Rams hurried the Titans (1-0) into 19 turnovers and limited them to 35.5-percent shooting from the floor. Cornell came away with 17 offensive rebounds, seven by Adewusi.
 
Cornell closed within 42-37 on a bucket by Buffington with 5:23 left in the third quarter. Illinois Wesleyan (1-0), picked second in the CCIW Preseason Coaches' Poll, answered with a 16-3 run and played with a double-digit lead the rest of the way.    
 
Kali March collected seven points, five assists and four steals. Randi Wright added six points and five rebounds.
 
Preseason all-American Lauren Huber led the Titans with 23 points and eight rebounds.
 
In Saturday's opener, Carroll cruised to a 79-50 win over Luther.
 
The Cornell Classic continues Sunday with an opening matchup at 1 p.m. between Luther and Illinois Wesleyan. The Rams play Carroll at 3 p.m.