Athletics - Men's Basketball

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MOUNT VERNON – Cornell men’s basketball player Griffin LaDew (Pewaukee, Wis./Waukesha Catholic Memorial) became the 17th member of the school’s 1,000-point club after netting 14 points in the Rams’ 71-59 loss to Iowa Conference rival Coe Jan. 23 in Cedar Rapids.

LaDew, who needed seven points to reach the milestone, achieved the mark with a layup just six minutes into the contest. The junior guard has totaled 1,007 points in three seasons with the Rams, tied for 15th on the school’s all-time scoring list. LaDew is the third Ram to score 1,000 points during head coach Mike DeGeorge’s four seasons at the helm, joining Jeff Ecker (1,021 points, 2002-06) and Dan McClanahan (1,007 points, 2002-05).

At his current pace, LaDew would break Cornell’s career scoring record midway through the 2008-09 season. Jeff Fleming holds the all-time mark with 1,373 points from 1983-87.

“Reaching his 1,000th career point this early in his career is a testament to what Griffin has meant to our program,” DeGeorge said. “It is easy to overlook that he is the primary focus on opponents’ scouting reports and is being guarded by the other team’s best player. It has been that way for his entire career. He has great instincts and skill with a unique understanding of how to play to his strengths.”

With the exception of LaDew’s feat, the Rams endured a disappointing night against the Kohawks. Coe built a 34-26 lead at halftime and the Rams never drew closer than eight points in the final 12 minutes. Cornell shot 39.3 percent for the game and went 1-of-12 from 3-point range.

Junior guard Michael Tierney (Cedar Rapids/Jefferson) shared game-high scoring honors with 15 points. James Wohrley (Dixon, Ill./Dixon) came off the bench and chipped in 11 points in only 10 minutes. Chris Handke (Bellevue/Bellevue) added eight points and seven rebounds.

“Coe is a very tough-minded team with a great player,” DeGeorge said. “They outworked us and earned the win with their toughness. We were not up to the challenge. Our transition defense and offensive execution were awful. We have to execute at a much higher and more consistent level to beat good teams.”

The Rams (6-11 overall) stand in fourth place at the halfway point of the IIAC race with a 4-4 record. Cornell has dropped its last three league games after a 4-1 start. DeGeorge hopes the Jan. 26 bye will help re-energize his squad for the stretch run.

“We have regressed as a team over the last couple weeks with more games and less practice time,” DeGeorge said. “If the first half of the season has shown us anything, it is that we can beat anyone in this league when we are right and we can lose to anyone when we’re not at our best. We can still accomplish everything we set out to do this year.”

Coming up — Wednesday, Jan. 30, at Central (11-5, 4-5), Pella, 8 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 2, Luther (6-11, 2-7), Small Multi-Sport Center, 4 p.m.

The Rams will shoot for regular-season sweeps over Central and Luther this week. Cornell edged Luther, 54-51, on Nov. 28, 2007 in Decorah and scored a 61-56 home win over Central on Jan. 5.

Rams in the rankings – LaDew leads the IIAC in 3-point goals made per game (3.06) and ranks second in free throw percentage (92.5), fourth in 3-point percentage (43.0), fourth in scoring (16.6 ppg) and fifth in steals (1.4 spg). Tierney is first in free throw percentage (92.7), fourth in assist/turnover ratio (1.06) and fifth in assists (3.1 apg). Handke ranks third in offensive rebounds per game (2.82) and fourth in total rebounds (6.6 rpg).

Home-court advantage – The Rams are 5-3 in home games this season while going 1-8 on the road. Cornell has lost its last six road games, three of those in league play.

Cornell’s 1,000-point club
Name Points Years
Jeff Fleming 1,373 1983-87
Chris Heller 1,352 1989-92
Jack Grams 1,343 1962-65
Chad Wisco 1,322 1975-79
Luke Feddersen 1,271 1999-2003
Mark Christoffersen 1,268 1986-89
Abe Tubbs 1,240 1992-94
Lloyd Olmstead 1,230 1951-53
Rich Glasier 1,107 1964-67
Matt Ditch 1,083 2000-04
Ron Altenberg 1,074 1957-60
Tim DeLong 1,026 1966-69
Rick Tomek 1,022 1960-63
Jeff Ecker 1,021 2002-06
Dan McClanahan 1,007 2002-05
Griffin LaDew 1,007 2005-present
Mark Kurtz 1,004 1982-86