Rams show scoring balance in home loss

Cornell had five players score in double figures, but couldn't make the run it needed in the second half of a 76-68 Iowa Conference loss to Loras Saturday at the Small Multi-Sport Center.

The Rams (3-16 overall, 1-9 IIAC) committed a season-low four turnovers and limited Loras' top scorer Tim Kelly to four points. The Duhawks (5-15, 2-9) had an answer in Brian Gaughan, who hit five 3-point goals and went 8-of-8 from the foul line for a game-high 23 points.

"We worked all week preparing to stop Kelly (12.9 ppg)," Murray said. "We did a great job on him, but they had another guy (Gaughan), a six-points-per-game scorer, step up and make shots."

Cornell sophomore Reggie Greenwood netted 12 of his team-high 18 points after intermission as the Rams tried to come back from a 37-32 deficit at the break. Loras' lead teetered from 4-11 points in the second half, creating just enough separation from the hosts.

Cornell closed to within 62-56 on a pair of Nick Bobb free throws with 2:54 remaining. Loras then put the game out of reach with a 5-1 run, getting two free throws and a 3-pointer from Gaughan on consecutive possessions.

"We were right there," Murray said. "When we got offense, we didn't get defense. When we had defense, we didn't have offense. Saturday we missed an opportunity to beat a conference opponent. We had our chances, that's for sure."

Bobb finished the game with 12 points, while Rory Cotter and Alex Miller both chipped in 11. Joey Guth was the fifth Ram in double figures with 10 points. Despite the offensive balance, Cornell struggled from the field on 37.9 percent shooting.

The Duhawks owned a 45-31 edge on the boards. Cotter led the Rams with seven rebounds.

The teams combined for 59 free throw attempts. Loras hit 23-of-31 from the line, while the Rams went 18-of-28.