MOUNT VERNON – Cornell's Jayden Meeker and Connor Barnett were double trouble for Monmouth Tuesday night, pacing the Rams to a decisive 82-65 men's basketball win between Midwest Conference contenders inside the Small Athletic and Wellness Center.
 
The senior backcourt mates both recorded double-doubles as the Rams (10-5 overall, 4-2 MWC) climbed into a tie with Monmouth (10-5 overall, 4-2 MWC) for second place in the league race with 10 games to go.
 
Meeker turned in a game-high 24 points and 10 rebounds to go with four steals and three blocked shots. The all-conference guard shot an efficient 8-of-11 from the field and 8-of-9 from the foul line.
 
Earning his fourth start of the season, Barnett continued his strong play with 13 points and 10 rebounds for his first double-double as a Ram. Cornell was +27 points with Barnett on the court. He logged 31 minutes.  
 
Cornell received 17 points from senior Zach Ingle, who joined exclusive company as the fourth Ram to make 200 3-pointers in a career. He canned 5-of-9 3-pointers in helping the Rams to their 11th consecutive series win over Monmouth.
 
The Rams were off and running early, shooting 58.8 percent from the field in the first half to build a 49-30 lead at the break. The margin ballooned to 75-50 on an Ingle trey with 8:27 left in regulation.
 
Dylan Hurley chipped in nine points and five assists. Arnav Jain scored eight points off the bench.
 
Coming up – The Rams are back home Saturday for a 3 p.m. matchup with Lawrence (4-11 overall, 2-4 MWC).