By: Illinois College made just 1-of-21 three-pointers and shot less than 50 percent from the line as Cornell pulled away in the second half.
Box Score
JACKSONVILLE, Ill. – Cornell College held the Illinois College women's basketball team to 30 percent shooting from the field and Sierra Bisso scored a game-high 17 points as the Rams picked up the road win to remain undefeated in the Midwest Conference, 83-43. Cornell improves to 12-3 (10-0 MWC). Illinois College slips to 9-6 (6-4 MWC) and is now in a three-way tie with Grinnell College and Knox College for fourth place in the MWC.
Cornell got things rolling just one minute into the game as Anne Visser drilled a three to spark a 7-0 run to open up the first frame.
Melissa Solorio put Illinois College on the board with six minutes remaining and she scored the first four points to pull IC within five, 9-4. As the quarter wore on, the Cornell defense began to have even more of an effect on the Lady Blues and the Rams turned multiple IC turnovers into 12 points, taking a 22-9 after the first quarter.
The second quarter opened up with a Solorio layup followed by two free throws from
Grace Yaunches, as IC was able to cut the lead to nine, 22-13. Though Cornell's leading scorer and rebounder Diamond Boyd was forced to the bench with three fouls before halftime, the Rams were able to still hold onto a 36-26 lead at the break.
The third quarter began with a fourth foul being called on Boyd and forcing her back to the bench quickly. Nevertheless, Cornell built on its advantage as Illinois College misfired on all six of its three-point attempts in the quarter and went only 1-of-6 at the charity stripe. By the end of the quarter, the Rams were on top, 59-36.
A Solorio layup pulled the Lady Blues within 59-38, but that was all Illinois College could muster. Cornell grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck with its defense, holding the Lady Blues to 3-of-18 shooting in the final 10 minutes and working its way up to a 40-point margin by the end.
Solorio was the only player in double-figures on the day for the Lady Blues, ending with 15 points and adding six rebounds.
Sydney Lett had team highs with seven rebounds and four assists.
Illinois College hits the road as they will travel to Lake Forest College to take on the Foresters on Jan. 25. Tip is set for 5:30 p.m.
