Yale’s seniors have played a combined 300 games in their college careers, but tonight they found a way to make their final home game stand out.

When the final buzzer sounded, Yale (19-7, 9-3 Ivy) had trounced Cornell (11-15, 6-6 Ivy) 71-41.

The four seniors- forward Rhett Anderson ’12, guard Brian Katz ’12, forward Greg Mangano ’12 and forward Reggie Willhite ’12 – were honored in a pre-game ceremony. Then they led the team to its best victory of the year.

Mangano led a balanced scoring effort with 16 points to go along with ten rebounds. Willhite scored eight points to go along with nine rebounds, eight assists and four steals.

Head coach James Jones said that he should get Willhite a cape, because he is Superman for the Elis in that he always does whatever is necessary.

The Bulldogs got off to an early lead and never let the Big Red back in the game. Forward Greg Kelley ’14 beat the buzzer with a straightaway to end the game. His basket gave Yale its largest lead of the night.

Cornell pressed for most of the game, but the Bulldogs only committed 11 turnovers and frequently broke the press for quick baskets.

Anderson was able to score on his senior night, knocking down two free throws to thunderous applause from the fans at Lee Amphitheater. Katz was unable to dress for the game. He has been limited to just two games this season after having double retina surgery.

With Harvard’s 55-54 loss to Penn tonight, Yale is now one game behind the Ivy League-leading Crimson going into the final weekend of regular season play.