Cornell 64, Northwestern 61

EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) -- Sophomore Adam Gore led Cornell in a 64-61

win over Northwestern on Friday night for the Big Red's first

victory against a Big Ten team in nearly 40 years.

Gore had a game-high 20 points and five 3-pointers. He played 36

minutes but left the game with 32.3 seconds to go after spraining

his right ankle. He added four assists and two rebounds for the Big

Red (1-0).

Despite Gore's effort, the game was a back and forth battle that

went down to the wire.

With about a minute and a half left to play, Cornell led 60-55

after Brian Kreefer landed a shot outside the arc. Wildcat Craig

Moore answered back with his own 3-pointer and the Wildcats

narrowed their deficit to two points, the Big Red leading 60-58.

Wildcat Kevin Coble was called for a foul about a minute later

with 19 seconds to play and Ryan Wittman went to the line and made

both free throws.

Northwestern had a golden chance to catch up when Graham Dow

fouled Craig Moore with 10 seconds on the clock. Moore shot three

perfect free throws to put the Wildcats within one, 62-61.

But the nail in the coffin came when Northwestern freshman Jeff

Ryan fouled Wittman with 7 seconds to go. Wittman made both free

throws.

Northwestern (0-1) was led by Tim Doyle, Sterling Williams and

Jason Okrzesik, who had 11 points apiece.

Doyle led the Wildcats with a game-high four steals and eight

assists. He helped lead the Wildcats' early first half scoring

drive as they scored 14 unanswered points for their only sizable

run of the night.

Cornell's last victory against a Big Ten team came during their

1967-1968 season, a 76-74 win over Ohio State.