Lehigh faces Cornell in a crucial non-conference showdown

On Sunday, December 8, 2024, a non-conference basketball game took place in Ithaca, New York, featuring the Lehigh Mountain Hawks and the Cornell Big Red. The Mountain Hawks came into the game with a record of 6-3, showcasing their competency, especially in away games where they recently secured a 2-3 record. Conversely, the Big Red had a home record of 3-7, which set an interesting dynamic for the matchup. The game was particularly significant for both teams as it marked the first meeting of the season, allowing them to gauge their performance against opponents from outside their regular conference matches. The Lehigh team, led by standout player Maddie Albrecht, averaged 67.1 points per game, outpacing their opponents by an average of 6.5 points. This scoring ability positioned them favorably against Cornell, who averaged only 56.4 points per game, struggling to maintain offensive pressure in previous matchups. The Big Red's inability to score effectively was compounded by their defensive challenges, as they permitted an average of 60.6 points per game to their adversaries. Both teams were eager to prove themselves, aiming to bolster their standings before entering conference competition. Statistically, the game indicated a disparity in three-point shooting efficiency. Lehigh has demonstrated superior proficiency, averaging 7.6 made three-pointers per game, significantly outstripping Cornell's allowance of just 5.8. This offensive prowess could set the tone for the game and enabled Lehigh to create significant scoring opportunities from beyond the arc. With Emily Pape shooting 37.4% and maintaining an average of 13.8 points for Cornell, the team's degree of competitiveness heavily relied on her performance. As the match progressed, both teams had their respective strengths and weaknesses exposed. The Mountain Hawks' strong offensive strategy seemed to be their winning edge against Cornell's inconsistent scoring. Fans at the game recognized that the balance of scoring and defensive holds would likely dictate the outcome, with each team fighting for an early season win that could provide crucial momentum into future games. Overall, this matchup featured the contrasting performances of both teams, establishing a vital juncture in the season's early narrative.