With three games left in the regular season, only three teams have been mathematical eliminated from contention. Webster enters Wednesday’s game with Maryville one game behind leader Westminster and tied for second with Fontbonne.
The Gorloks are continuing on their quest to host the SLIAC tournament for the third straight season. They have won eight of the last 10 conference games. WU fell to Eureka twice, and have two of the last three games at the friendly confines of Grant Gymnasium.
Webster scored 15 of the last 21 points in posting the home victory over the Saints in January and will be looking to complete the sweep.
Senior Steve Hrdlicka was a huge reason the Gorloks were able to record the home victory. The forward scored a career-high 20 points, while his defensive prowess helped hold the Saints’ leading scorer to half his usual output. However, Hrdlicka was injured in the second half of the Blackburn game and is not expected to see any action.
Leading candidates to fill Hrdlicka’s minutes are senior Tyler Tiemann, along with Robby Meeh and Scott Restoff. All three have seen minutes this season but should see an increase in time.
Over the last couple of weeks, Webster has really clamped down on defense – holding two of its last three opponents to less than 50 points. The Gorloks enter the game ranked second in scoring defense, allowing a mere 69.2 points per game. Defense, however, has been one of the consistent aspects for Webster this season. They are allowing 68.6 points per game in victories, while yielding 70.0 points in losses.
The biggest difference for Webster comes on the offensive end where the Gorloks are scoring 81.1 points in win and 61.7 in defeats. The main reason for the discrepancy is Webster’s offensive mindset. When they are attacking the rim, getting easy baskets and getting to the free throw line – they are successful. They attempt eight more free throws per game in their wins, while sending opponents to the line seven less times.
Senior Ryan Turk, the team’s leading scorer, is the biggest benefactor in increased trips to the free throw line. He is getting nearly four more free throw attempts and scoring four more points per game in Webster wins.
The game has similar meaning to both teams, but the Saints probably are faced with more of a dire situation. Maryville is currently on the outside of tournament, a half-game behind Eureka. They split the season series with the Red Devils.
Maryville enters the game as a team in turmoil. Three players have left the team in the past week. The trio of players, including a starter and key reserve, last suited up for the Saints on February 7, a nine-point loss to Fontbonne.
The Saints are 1-1 since the departures but still have the leave its leading scorer, Kyle Winters, at their disposal. The junior transfer is scoring 13.5 points per game and is leading the SLIAC with 87 three-pointers. Guard Eric Gruenewald is the other Maryville player fetching double figures, dropping in 11.7 points per contest.
Both teams are adept in hitting the glass with Webster ranking second in rebounding margin with plus-4.0 and the Saints nipping at its heels at plus-3.9. The Gorloks outrebounded Maryville 32-30 in their first meeting. The team that hits the board the hardest could be the team on the smiling side of the scoreboard.
