EUREKA, Ill. – Cornell's women's basketball team rattled off 13 unanswered points to start the game, setting the tone for Thursday's 73-54 nonconference road win over Eureka at Christine Bonati Bollwinkle Arena.
 
The surging Rams (6-4) carry a three-game winning streak into the holiday break. They averaged 75.6 points during the span, in large part due to the high-scoring act of reigning Midwest Conference Performer of the Week Erin Knowles.
 
Knowles had her way against the Red Devils (0-8) with 30 points and 12 rebounds. The sophomore topped the 25-point mark for the third time in the last four contests.
 
Knowles connected on 13-of-21 field goals for the Rams, who shot a sizzling 65.1 percent from 2-point range. Knowles had seven points during Cornell's dominant early run, capped by Kiley Edris' layup that put the Rams ahead 13-0 with 4:26 left in the opening quarter.
 
The Rams built a comfortable 39-21 lead at halftime. They led by as many as 28 points in the fourth quarter.
 
First-year Kallynn Stroup netted a collegiate-best 15 points on 7-of-12 shooting from the floor. She also had seven rebounds and three assists.
 
Cornell distributed 20 assists, seven coming from first-year Caroline Kron. Heidi Jorgensen added seven points and six boards. Edris pitched in six points on 3-of-3 shooting.
 
The Rams scored 56 points in the paint and held a decisive 47-26 advantage in rebounds.
 
Coming up – The Rams (0-2 MWC) resume conference play Jan. 3 with a 3 p.m. home game against Monmouth (3-7 overall, 0-3 MWC).