PELLA – Cornell's men's basketball team endured a tough shooting game against a talented opponent, falling 83-55 to defending American Rivers Conference champion Central Wednesday night at Kuyper Gymnasium.
 
The Rams (1-2) went through a seven-minute scoreless stretch in the first half as Central built a 44-24 lead at the break. The Dutch didn't look back in improving to 3-0 on the season.
 
Jayden Meeker and Zach Ingle scored 12 and 10 points, respectively, to pace the Rams. Meeker also collected three steals, sharing game-high honors with Dylan Hurley.
 
Cornell was held to 3-of-25 shooting from 3-point range and got outrebounded, 50-32. Meeker and Julian Cleary grabbed four boards apiece for Cornell.
 
Preseason all-American Joshua Van Gorp led the Dutch with 17 points on 8-of-9 shooting from the field. Central shot 51.7 percent for the game.  
 
Coming up – The Rams travel to Waverly this weekend for the Buzz Levick Tournament, hosted by Wartburg. Cornell opens play at 6 p.m. Friday against Minnesota Morris.