Men's Basketball News Releases
Tierney nets 16 points in 80-68 win at Concordia
MOUNT VERNON - Cornell shot over 50 percent from the field and had four players score in double figures in an 80-68 men's basketball victory over Concordia University Chicago Saturday afternoon at Geiseman Gymnasium in River Forest, Ill.
The Rams carry a three-game winning streak and 8-2 record into Christmas break, enjoying one of the best starts to a season in school history. Cornell (1-0 Iowa Conference) is tied for the league lead in wins and is only one victory shy of last year's total. The Rams didn't chalk up their eighth win last season until Feb. 7, 2008.
"2008 has been a good year for Ram basketball," Cornell head coach Mike DeGeorge said. "Last winter, we proved this team can compete in the Iowa Conference. This spring, we had a big win over the Greek Professional Level 3 champions. This fall, we have embraced roles and found a winning formula. We have gained the confidence needed heading into conference play in January and February.
"We have gotten great leadership from our four captains: Michael Tierney, Griffin LaDew, Matt Lewis and Tyler Cody," DeGeorge continued. "Our greatest improvement has been our low post play, led by Chris Handke and Riley Larson."
Tierney (Cedar Rapids/Jefferson) had a big game against Concordia (3-5), leading the Rams with 16 points, seven rebounds and five assists. He tossed in 10 points after intermission as Cornell pulled away from a 30-27 halftime lead. The Rams erupted for 50 points in the second half on the strength of 17-of-25 shooting (68 percent) from the field.
LaDew (Pewaukee, Wis./Waukesha Catholic Memorial) collected 15 points, five rebounds, four assists and a team-high three steals. Larson (Cedar Rapids/Jefferson) and Handke (Bellevue/Bellevue) chipped in 14 points apiece. Larson added six rebounds, four assists and two blocks.
The Rams finished with 19 assists on 30 field goals and committed only nine turnovers. Cornell overcame an early seven-point deficit with a 20-8 spurt in the first half to take control.
"Offensively, we were really sharp from start to finish," DeGeorge said. "We missed some easy looks in the first half, but got great shots. In the second half, we really took advantage of our opportunities on offense. We also only committed six turnovers in the first 37 minutes of the game, which was a season low. Overall, it was a solid performance on the road to end 2008."
LaDew sinks 200th trey - LaDew recorded his 200th career 3-point goal Saturday with a 3-of-6 shooting game from beyond the arc against Concordia. The senior guard has made 202 3-pointers in four years, only three behind Cornell's career record held by Jeff Ecker (2002-06).
LaDew also went over 1,300 points for his career, currently with 1,303. He needs 19 points to tie Chad Wisco (1975-79) for fourth place on the school's career scoring list.
Bring in the New Year - Cornell's 2009 schedule begins with key dates against league unbeatens Central (7-3 overall, 2-0 IIAC) on the road Jan. 3 and Buena Vista (8-1, 2-0) at home Jan. 7. Buena Vista is the defending IIAC champion and ranked No. 9 in the D3hoops.com Poll.
