NEW YORK (Interstat) — The Wagner Seahawks used a balanced scoring attack and a strong defensive effort to secure a 67-54 victory over the Cornell Big Red in a non-conference women’s basketball game Sunday at Spiro Sports Center.

In a game witnessed by 300 fans, Wagner improved its season record to 2-5, while Cornell fell to an even 4-4. The outcome defied statistical expectations, as Interstat’s ELO system had projected Cornell with an 83.20 percent probability to win.

The contest was characterized by runs from both teams, but Wagner managed to maintain control for the majority of the game after establishing an early lead. The Seahawks took a 19-17 advantage after a fast-paced first quarter and extended their lead to 32-28 by halftime. A dominant 19-point third quarter for Wagner pushed their lead to 51-39, effectively creating a cushion that Cornell could not overcome in the final period.

Cornell’s offense was led by Clarke Jackson, a guard from Columbus, Ohio, who scored 14 points in 35 minutes of action. She was supported by Emily Pape of Park Ridge, Illinois, and Rachel Kaus of Lake Bluff, Illinois, who each contributed 11 points. Kaus also added two assists and two steals in 31 minutes.

Wagner’s victory was a product of its international roster delivering key performances. Raneem Elbarky, a forward from Cairo, Egypt, was a dominant force inside, leading all scorers with 15 points in just 20 minutes off the bench. Lijirin Doyinsola Modesayor, a 6-foot-3 center from Kotor Varos, Nigeria, provided a strong interior presence with 12 points, while guard Irene Fernandez de Caleya of Tarragona, Spain, orchestrated the offense with 11 points and a game-high four assists.

The game’s opening moments set a physical tone. Wagner’s Modesayor won the opening tip, but the first possession ended in a turnover and an offensive foul on the center. Cornell capitalized immediately with a layup from Paige Engels. Wagner responded with a quick 7-0 run, fueled by a three-pointer and an assist from Fernandez de Caleya, to take a lead they would not relinquish.

Cornell stayed within striking distance throughout the first half, thanks to timely baskets from Jackson and Kaus. However, Wagner consistently answered every Big Red push. A critical sequence late in the second quarter saw Wagner’s Elbarky convert an and-one opportunity, followed by a layup to extend the Seahawk lead to eight points before a Cornell basket just before the halftime buzzer cut the deficit to four.

The third quarter proved decisive. Wagner opened the period with a 10-4 run, highlighted by interior baskets from Modesayor and Malia Mpondo of Nyon, Switzerland. Cornell’s offense struggled to find consistency, scoring only 11 points in the quarter for the second consecutive period. Wagner’s lead ballooned to as many as 14 points, and the Seahawks entered the fourth quarter with a commanding 51-39 advantage.

Cornell made several attempts to mount a comeback in the final frame. A jump shot from Emily Pape off a Wagner turnover brought the Big Red within eight points with just over eight minutes remaining. But every Cornell run was met with a response, often from Elbarky, who scored six points in the quarter, including a key hook shot that stifled Cornell’s momentum.

Wagner’s defense sealed the victory in the closing minutes, forcing several key turnovers and capitalizing on free throws to keep the Big Red at a safe distance. The Seahawks shot efficiently from the floor, while Cornell’s shooting struggles from three-point range and the free-throw line hampered their ability to close the gap.

The game was part of a challenging early-season schedule for both teams. Cornell entered the contest having won two of its last three games, including a narrow 49-47 victory over Siena and a 52-51 overtime win at Le Moyne. Wagner, meanwhile, was looking to build momentum after a 63-57 loss to Iona in its previous outing.

Looking ahead, Cornell will travel to face Lehigh on Wednesday. Wagner’s next contest is on the road against Columbia on Saturday.