WAVERLY – Cornell's men's basketball team will ring in the New Year fresh off a decisive 79-71 road win over Wartburg Tuesday afternoon inside Levick Arena.
 
Coach Dave Schlabaugh's Rams had four scorers in double figures and closed out a strong 2024 portion of their schedule at 9-4 overall. Two of the wins are against Wartburg (8-4), including a 98-94 overtime battle Nov. 16 in Waverly.
 
Cornell finished the first half on a 7-2 run and then ran off seven unanswered points to start the second to take control of this nonconference matchup. A pair of Connor Barnett free throws pushed the Rams ahead 44-34 early in the second half.
 
Cornell's lead ballooned to 60-44 on a layup by Jaylan Bradberry with 11:36 left in regulation.
 
Senior Zach Ingle paced the Rams with 18 points, highlighted by a 4-of-7 touch from 3-point range. Freshman Keon Talgo also sank four 3-pointers and totaled 16 points.
 
Jayden Meeker filled the stat sheet with 14 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Dylan Hurley chipped in 10 points and six assists.
 
The Rams shot 49.2 percent from the field and committed only seven turnovers. They went 10-of-28 from beyond the arc.
 
Coming up – The Rams (3-1 MWC) resume Midwest Conference play Jan. 11 at Lake Forest (3-6 overall, 0-2 MWC). Tipoff is 3 p.m. in Lake Forest, Ill.