MOUNT VERNON – Keon Talgo's career-high 21 points and a hot-shooting start triggered Cornell's 69-60 nonconference men's basketball win over Luther Saturday inside the Small Athletic and Wellness Center.
 
The Rams (1-9) took total control with a 17-0 run to begin the contest, highlighted by an avalanche of 3-pointers. Talgo drained four 3-pointers over the opening eight minutes on his way to a career night.
 
Talgo finished 7-of-8 shooting from the floor with five trifectas in 20 minutes off Cornell's bench. The sophomore also made both of his free throw attempts.
 
The Rams buried seven 3-pointers in the first half and built a 31-21 lead at the break. Cornell's margin ballooned to 19 points with 6:30 to go in the second half.
 
Freshmen Jude Weaver and Wayne Jurica accounted for 12 and 11 points, respectively, for the Rams. Collectively, they went 10-of-10 from the foul line.
 
Noah Williams and Joseph Hudson shared team-high honors with seven rebounds apiece. Freshman Kylen Bonner chipped in seven points, five rebounds and three steals.
 
Luther (5-6) attempted 21 more field goals than the Rams, although was held to 31.3-percent shooting. Cornell won the battle on the boards, 43-35.
 
Coming up – The Rams return to action Dec. 31 for a 1 p.m. New Year's Eve matchup with Wartburg (9-2) in Mount Vernon. Wartburg took the first meeting, 99-74, on Nov. 15 in Waverly.