JACKSONVILLE, Ill. – Cornell's young lineup passed a big road test Wednesday night, scoring the game's final eight points for a 60-58 women's basketball win over Illinois College in the Midwest Conference opener for both teams at Sherman Gymnasium.
 
Talented freshman Erin Knowles tossed in 24 points, highlighted by a pair of go-ahead free throws with six seconds left that completed Cornell's late comeback.
 
The Rams (4-3 overall, 1-0 MWC) faced a double-digit deficit in the third quarter and trailed 56-48 with less than four minutes to go in regulation. Junior A'ryn Jackson came up big down the stretch, hitting a 3-pointer and then a driving layup that brought the Rams within 58-57 with less than one minute to play.
 
After Cornell regained possession on a steal by Heidi Jorgensen, the Lady Blues (2-6 overall, 0-1 MWC) were whistled for a flopping foul that sent Knowles to the foul line with six seconds remaining. Knowles drained both free throws, and then freshman teammate Maya Hodge made 1-of-2 foul shots that provided the final margin of victory.
 
Cornell outscored the Lady Blues 14-5 in the fourth quarter. The Rams limited the home team to 2-of-18 shooting over the final 10 minutes.
 
Knowles notched the third 20-point game of her young career, going 10-of-13 from the foul line while also grabbing a team-best eight rebounds. Freshman Reagan Wells netted a season-high 15 points. Jackson contributed nine points and six rebounds in a reserve role.
 
The Rams owned a decisive 15-point advantage from the foul line, sinking 20-of-26 attempts. Cornell recorded eight steals, three by Jorgensen.
 
Cornell notched its third consecutive win and held its seventh straight opponent to fewer than 60 points.
 
Coming up – Cornell plays host to Lake Forest (2-5 overall, 1-0 MWC) at 1 p.m. Saturday in the Small Athletic and Wellness Center.