JACKSONVILLE, IL – The offensive showdown between two of the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference’s premier scorers never materialized Saturday, thanks in part to some tough defense.

Senior forward Steve Hrdlicka limited MacMurray’s primary scorer to 16 points, many came either late after the game was decided or while Hrdlicka was on the bench, as Webster avenged one of its two home SLIAC losses by downing the Highlanders, 97-80.

Webster’s half of the scoring threat – senior Ryan Turk – did his part dropping in 31 points on 9-of-12 shooting. It was one from his career-high of 32 points set earlier this season. He did, however, set a season-high and tied a career-best with eight assists.

Turk set the tone early scoring on a three-point play, and then cashed in a three-pointer for the game’s first six points. It helped get the Gorloks rolling as they scorer on their first three and five of the first six possessions. Webster kept the pedal to the medal offensively, racing out to a 10-point lead (23-13) midway through the opening half.

But they sputtered a bit, allowing the Highlanders to put together a run late in the half that gave them their first lead of the game (39-38). Unfazed, WU reclaimed a one-point lead (44-43) and took that advantage into the locker rooms.

Any thoughts of posting a sweep of the Gorloks’ went by the wayside as senior Luke Niebrugge took over the opening portion of the second stanza. The guard scored seven consecutive points WU laced up its track shoes. On six straight possessions, the Gorloks got out in transition to secure easy lay-ups.

With a double figure lead in tow (60-49), Webster refused to allow the home team back in the game and a 13-5 run midway through the second half sealed the victory.

Niebrugge added 16 points in the victory, while sophomore Nick Jones dropped in 14 for the Gorloks.

Webster, winners of four straight and seven of its last eight, improves to 7-3 in the SLIAC and 10-8 overall. The Gorloks will continue their four-game road swing when they travel to Eureka.

• It was the third time in his career that Ryan Turk dished out eight assists. The SLIAC leader in assist-to-turnover ratio only had two turnovers.
• With Fontbonne’s loss today, there is a three-tie at 7-3 for second place with the Griffins, Webster and Greenville. Maryville is a half-game back at 6-3.
• Webster went to the free throw 20 more times (35-15) than MacMurray. The Gorloks were 28-of-35 (80 percent), while the Highlanders were 14-of-15 (93.3 percent).
• Senior Doug Stiegemeier tied a career-high with seven rebounds, while sophomore Robby Meeh set a new personal best with six rebounds. The duo helped Webster own a 49-25 advantage on the boards.

Head Coach Chris Bunch

            “He did a great job on (MacMurray guard Farrid) Coleman in the second half. Coleman was able to get to spots he wanted to get in the first half. We just reiterated at halftime what we wanted to get done. Steve just chased him around the floor, denying him the ball.”

            “Like I told them in the locker room (at the end of the game), now we have another challenge to beat someone who beat us at home. (Webster fell to Eureka 80-76 in early January). It’s going to be another tough game on the road. We need to have two good days of practice.”

            “He made some shots early, and got into a real good groove. In the Greenville game, when he wasn’t hot, he dialed it back. When good shooters get on a roll, they take shots. … He shot the ball real well. But he also does a good job of hitting the open guys when he penetrates and everyone collapses on him. He was able to get us in transition early for lay-ups in 2-on-1, 3-on-1 situations. It was another tremendous game offensively.”