Jalen Rucker shines with 34 points as Army edges past Le Moyne in dramatic overtime

On December 1, 2024, the Army Black Knights hosted the Cornell Big Red in a college basketball matchup at West Point, New York. This game was eagerly anticipated following Army's recent overtime victory against the Le Moyne Dolphins, during which Jalen Rucker had an outstanding performance, scoring 34 points. The game showcased not just individual talent, but also highlighted the Black Knights' home court advantage as they were undefeated at home, boasting a 4-0 record prior to facing Cornell. The matchup was also significant as both teams had identical records of 5-3. The contest presented an exciting opportunity for both squads to improve their standings in their respective conferences. The Army team, led by Rucker and standout performances from AJ Allenspach, who was averaging 8.4 rebounds per game, aimed to solidify their position as a contender in the Patriot League with their strong rebounding performance. Army's effective strategy involved leveraging their ability to convert three-point shots, averaging a notable 10.0 made three-pointers per game, compared to Cornell's defensive efforts, which had allowed 6.5 per game. Meanwhile, Cornell, known for their impressive offensive capabilities, ranked second nationally in assists per game with 20.1, driven by their playmaker AK Okereke who averaged 4.5 assists. The contrasting playing styles of the teams—Army's sharp shooting and rebounding versus Cornell's assist-heavy offense—set the stage for an entertaining and competitive game. As the game unfolded, it became clear that the services of Rucker and the Black Knights would be pivotal, especially since they had been riding high on the momentum generated from their last thrilling victory. The outcome of this matchup would not only impact the immediate records of both teams but also potentially influence their future performance, morale, and confidence as they progress through the season. Fans were eager to see if Army could continue their recent success and how Cornell would respond under pressure, particularly away from home where they held a 2-2 record. This matchup was emblematic of early season college basketball, filled with intense competition and player rivalries, setting the stage for what could be a memorable campaign for both teams as they vie for supremacy within their leagues.