Box Score Box Score (PDF)
HAMILTON, N.Y. – Sophomore
Nolan Cressler scored a game-high 19 points to pace three double figure scorers, but Colgate opened the second half on a 9-0 run and never looked back in an 81-58 win over Cornell on Wednesday evening at Cotterell Court. The Big Red dropped to 0-5 on the season, while the Raiders improved to 1-2.
Cressler added four rebounds and a steal to his 8-of-18 shooting night and has now reached double figures in the scoring column in nine consecutive games. Junior
Devin Cherry scored 12 points, dished three assists, grabbed two rebounds and collected two steals, while
Deion Giddens hit all five of his field goals en route to a career-best 10 points. Ned Tomic added six points off the bench. The Big Red shot 41 percent from the floor, but was just 4-of-20 from 3-point range and committed 14 turnovers.
Murphy Burnatowski scored 19 points to lead Colgate, while Ethan Jacobs scored 15 and added four rebounds, two assists and two blocks. The big man hit 3-of-4 from 3-point range for the Raiders, who connected on 11-of-23 from beyond the arc as a team.
Cornell took a four-point lead early, but it was Colgate's half thanks to its poise against the Big Red's pressure and its perimeter shooting. The Raiders connected on 6-of-13 from 3-point range (46 percent) to head into the break with a 38-29 lead. Cherry had a team-high 12 points in the first half to go along with three assists, two rebounds and two steals, but also committed four of the Big Red's eight turnovers in the stanza.
After Colgate scored the opening basket, the Big Red scored six straight with Tarwater, Cressler and Giddens all getting baskets. The Raiders answered right back with 11 quick points on four possessions, including a pair of Ethan Jacobs 3-pointers to make it 13-6.
Cornell caught the Raiders with eight minutes to play in the half with a driving layup by Cherry that ended in a three-point play and a Cressler 3-pointer to give the Big Red a 22-21 edge, but Murphy Burnatowski got a great look at a 3-pointer on the other end and cashed in to help the home team regain the lead. Burnatowski's basket triggered a 17-5 Colgate run that put the Raiders up 11 late in the half. The Cornell defense got a stop and Cherry ran out in the closing seconds. He was wrapped up by a defender and a flagrant foul was called. The junior captain hit both shots and Cornell was able to go into the break down 38-29.
The second half was never in doubt, as the Raiders scored the first nine out of the locker room and Cornell could never make a run. Playing with the double figure lead, the Raiders were able to hold off the visitors from making a run.
Cornell won't waste any time before getting back on the court as it will hit the hardwood on Friday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. when it plays host to Siena at Newman Arena. It will be the fourth meeting between the two programs with the Saints leading 2-1.