ITHACA, N.Y. -- The Cornell men's basketball team's 250th all-time win at Newman Arena came with significant records as the Big Red cruised past Penn State Schuylkill 123-71 on Sunday afternoon. This dominant performance not only ensured their victory but also capped off non-league play on a high note, improving their season record to 8-5.
Cornell was nothing short of spectacular during the game, setting school records for points scored per half, with a staggering 67 points in the first half, and total points scored, amassing 123 points overall. The Big Red also captured second-place rankings on the school charts for field goals made at 48, three-pointers with 20, and assists with 37 throughout the contest. Remarkably, none of the regular players exceeded 20 minutes on the court due to the lopsided score.
This game was heralded as a definition of teamwork, but certain individual achievements also stood out. Senior Nazir Williams became the 28th player in Cornell history to surpass 1,000 career points, closing the day with 12 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Another senior, Guy Ragland Jr., showcased impressive shooting skills, making all three of his field goal attempts, which contributed to his remarkable streak of 15 consecutive makes over four games — setting a new record for Cornell.
Notably, all 15 players who dressed scored at least one point and grabbed at least one rebound during the game. Twelve players provided assists, and eleven recorded steals, exemplifying the balance of competition the Big Red presented. Freshman Anthony Nimani led the scoring with 15 points, also contributing four rebounds. Williams and AK Okereke both added 12 points each, with Okereke making six of seven shots from the floor.
Cornell's bench was another highlight, outscoring Penn State Schuylkill's reserves 77-27, managing to produce 32 fastbreak points and scoring 54 points within the paint. Cornell's dominance on the boards was evident, with the team holding the advantage 47-29, including achieving 21 offensive rebounds.
The first few minutes of play set the tone for the match, as Cornell scored the game’s first 12 points. Although the visitors managed to respond with a 7-0 run, they never truly threatened. The first half saw Cornell assisting on their first 17 baskets, for a total of 22 assists by halftime, leading to the comfortable 67-30 edge.
Cornell's shooting display was impressive, hitting 58 percent from the floor and 12-of-24 from the three-point line during the first half. Ragland Jr. made his first three-point attempt, equaling the school's consecutive field goals record at 14, which was previously held by Darryl Smith from the 2015-16 season. He broke the record shortly after, increasing it to 15 within minutes of the third quarter.
The pattern continued throughout the second half, with Cornell's bench players taking over as the starters received their rest. Williams formally logged his 1,000th career point with just four minutes gone in the half, after which the starters stepped off the court for the last time. Both Nimani and Gio Panzini found their scoring rhythm during the remaining time, with Panzini making his first career points off of his first field goal and later adding another three-pointer to push Cornell over 100 points for only the second time this season.
This thrilling victory also saw Cornell break the prior record for most points scored (122) within the game against Keuka on December 5, 2021, when Corbin Zentner scored on the final layup. Ending the event on this remarkable high note snapped their three-game home losing streak—the longest since 2017—and resulted in entering Ivy League play with winning records for the fourth consecutive season, marking significant growth as they move forward.
Next up, the Big Red will begin Ivy League play with their matchup against red-hot Columbia at Levien Gymnasium on Saturday, January 11 at 2 p.m. This upcoming game is anticipated to be broadcast on ESPN+, continuing not only the competition but keeping lookouts on Cornell's impressive record, including their seven-game winning streak against the Lions—a streak they aim to extend following their previous victory over Columbia, 98-76, last season.