GRINNELL – A slow first half wound up costing Cornell's men's basketball team in a 114-94 setback to Midwest Conference in-state rival Grinnell Wednesday night at Darby Gymnasium.
 
The Rams (13-7 overall, 7-4 MWC) fell behind 61-42 at intermission and then played virtually even with the nation's top-ranked scoring offense in the second half. It was only the second road loss of the season for Cornell, which remained in third place in the MWC standings.
 
The second-place Pioneers (16-5 overall, 9-3 MWC) hit eight 3-pointers in the opening half to take control. They connected for 13 threes on the night, while the Rams finished 8-of-35 from long range.
 
Jayden Meeker netted 16 of his team-high 21 points in the second half to pace the Rams. It was the seventh 20-point performance since Dec. 19 for the senior guard, who shot an efficient 8-of-10 from the field while also collecting seven rebounds.
 
Dylan Hurley posted a strong stat line of 19 points, eight rebounds and seven assists with only two turnovers against Grinnell's pressure, which forces 27.9 turnovers per game. The Rams turned the ball over just 14 times.
 
Caleb Leslie knocked down four 3-pointers and finished with 17 points. Zach Ingle added 13 points and eight rebounds.
 
Grinnell received 23 points from Kai Te Huki, the MWC's top scorer.
 
Coming up – Cornell is home Saturday to face Beloit (6-14 overall, 2-10 MWC) at 3 p.m. in the Small Athletic and Wellness Center. The Rams won the first meeting, 85-71.