Late run propels Simpson men over Cornell

MOUNT VERNON - John Cord scored a game-high 16 points in his third-career start, Zack Barragan went 6-for-6 from the free throw line down the stretch and Simpson beat Cornell 68-61 on Wednesday night.

Leading 61-59 with 39 seconds left, the Storm (5-8, 2-2 IIAC) went to their best free throw shooter with the game on the line. Barragan responded, hitting six free throws in a row to secure the win. 

Barragan finished with 16, scoring 10 in the first half.

A sophomore, Cord took advantage of the rare start. He enjoyed the best offensive outing of his young career, going 5-for-6 from the field while hitting the first two 3-pointers of his career.

Rory Cotter scored 14 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead the Rams (6-7, 1-3 IIAC), who opened up an 11 point lead with five minutes remaining in the first half.

But the Storm closed the period on a 17-4 run, taking a two-point lead into the locker room at intermission. Playing his first game in Red and Gold, transfer Cornelius Mosby highlighted the late run with a power dunk.

Mosby scored seven points, grabbed nine rebounds and blocked four shots in his debut. JJ Vanderheiden added 10 points.

Simpson looks to make it two wins in a row next Wednesday, Jan. 12 when it hosts Central in an 8 p.m. tip off from Cowles Fieldhouse.