MOUNT VERNON – In its final home basketball game of 2023, Cornell's women handled Beloit with a strong team effort in Saturday's 62-48 Midwest Conference win inside the Small Athletic and Wellness Center.
 
All 10 players that saw the court scored for coach Brent Brase's Rams (4-5 overall), who will take a 3-1 MWC record into the holiday break.
 
The Rams never trailed against the Buccaneers (2-8 overall, 1-3 MWC), who were limited to 33.3-percent shooting for the game. Cornell caused 21 turnovers and outscored the visiting team, 32-20, in the second half.
 
Cornell broke free with a 10-0 spurt late in the third quarter, which included buckets from four different players. Mia Murray's two free throws pushed Cornell ahead 45-32 with 2:33 left in the third and the Rams played with a double-digit lead the rest of the way.
 
Kali March had another fine all-around effort with 13 points, six rebounds and four assists. Ani'ja Simmons was a big spark off the bench, providing 10 points and a team-best seven boards.
 
Heidi Jorgensen netted 10 points. Bradie Buffington, Tenley Cavanagh and Murray pitched in six points apiece. Cavanagh came away with four steals.
 
The Rams continued their hot shooting from the foul line, sinking 11-of-13 attempts. They recorded five blocked shots, including two apiece from Simmons and Jorgensen.   
 
Coming up – The Rams travel to play the rival Coe Kohawks (6-2) at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in Cedar Rapids. Coe won the first meeting this season, 76-51.