MOUNT VERNON – Senior Jayden Meeker poured in 25 points and carried the Rams down the stretch for a 78-72 victory over Eureka Wednesday night inside the Small Athletic and Wellness Center.
 
Cornell (1-1) trailed for only 20 seconds the entire night, although couldn't shake a Red Devils (0-1) squad that made it a two-possession game at 72-68 with 2:53 remaining.  
 
Meeker came through in the clutch, scoring Cornell's final six points to cap his big performance. The all-conference guard converted a layup and jumper on back-to-back possessions that gave the Rams breathing room at 77-69 with 1:07 left.
 
Senior Dylan Hurley turned in a fine all-around effort with 19 points on efficient 9-of-12 shooting from the field. He also tallied eight rebounds, six assists, four steals and two blocked shots.
 
Zach Ingle grabbed nine rebounds and Meeker had eight. Newcomer Arnav Jain hit a pair of 3-pointers and finished with eight points.
 
The Rams led 39-28 at halftime and totaled 42 points in the paint for the game.
 
The Red Devils held a 55-39 rebounding advantage, but were limited to 5-of-30 shooting from 3-point range.
 
Coming up – The Rams compete at Wartburg's Buzz Levick Classic this weekend in Waverly. Cornell opens against UW-Whitewater at 7:30 p.m. Friday. The Rams will play St. Olaf or Wartburg Saturday afternoon.