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ITHACA, N.Y. -- The Cornell defense limited Penn to 22 percent shooting and held off a late Quaker rally to earn the season sweep with a 45-42 victory on Friday evening at Newman Arena, The Big Red improved to 10-12 (4-4 Ivy), while Penn slipped to 9-13 (2-6 Ivy).

Cornell's defense was stingy all night, and it had to be to overcome 24 turnovers. The Big Red limited the Quakers tp 14 first half points on 18 percent shooting, including a dreadful 0-of-12 effort from beyond the arc. Penn missed its first 21 efforts from beyond the 3-point line before Alyssa Baron finally hit one with 8:18 left in the game. Penn ended the contest by hitting four of its final five shots from 3-point range in making its comeback.

While the Big Red defense was stifling, the offense clicked when it actually was able to get shots. Cornell hit half of its shots and an impressive 5-of-8 from deep, but between turnovers and a soft 5-of-11 from the free-throw line after halftime, the home team nearly gave away a 13-point lead midway through the second half. Penn was able to tie the game at 42-42 on a 3-pointer by Kathleen Roche with just over three minutes remaining, but a Spencer Lane free throw with 1:10 left proved to be all the points Cornell would need down the stretch. Allyson DiMagno hit a pair of charity shots with 12 seconds to play and the Quakers were never able to get a game-tying attempt up in the final seconds.

Maka Anyanwu led the Big Red with 12 points, while Allyson DiMagno had 11 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three blocked shots in the win. Shelby Lyman notched eight points and Clare Fitzpatrick was credited with five points and 12 rebounds. The Big Red shot 58 percent in the second half but attempted just 12 total field goals while turning it over on 12 occasions.

Penn's Alyssa Baron led the way with 18 points on 7-of-17 shooting. The rest of the team connected on just 8-of-51 shots (16 percent). Kathleen Roche had eight points and Kara Bonenberger recorded four points and 11 rebounds, including nine on the offensive glass. She was held to just 1-of-11 shooting on the night. The Quakers held a decisive 25-4 edge on the offensive glass, allowing the visitors to attempt an incredible 36 more shots than the home team. Penn had 14 total steals in the loss.

The game went back and forth for the first 15 minutes before the Big Red ended the first half on an 11-0 run over the final 3:54. DiMagno and Anyanwu each had four points and Taylor Flynn connected on a 3-pointer during the spurt that sent Cornell into the break leading 24-14.

Cornell still held on to a 13-point advantage when Baron finally hit from deep for the Quakers. That switched the momentum and triggered a 20-7 run than tied the contest at 42-42 when Roche nailed a trey with just over three minutes remaining.

The Big Red was able to finally get the go-ahead point when Lane was fouled with 70 seconds to play and hit the second of two free throws.  After an empty possession by the Quakers, Penn fouled Lane again and the point guard missed both charity tosses to keep the score 43-42. With the ball back once again, Penn missed a shot and Fitzpatrick rebounded. The Big Red was able to inbound to DiMagno, who was fouled and hit both free throws. With a chance to tie, Penn wasn't able to get a 3-pointer off in the final seconds and Cornell closed out the season sweep with the defensive rebound.

Cornell returns to action tomorrow at 7 p.m. when it plays host to two-time defending Ivy champion Princeton. The game will be the Play 4 Kay contest, with no charge for admission. Donations will be accepted, with all proceeds going to benefit the Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes.