One spurt, some rebounding and inside presence was the formula that helped Webster snap its two-game losing streak.
A 19-5 run midway through the first half blew the game wide open as the Gorloks knocked off Eureka Wednesday, 65-42, in St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference action. Freshman Megan Willett displayed a rare shooting touch with two three-pointers during the pivotal stretch. The reserve forward had made just one three-pointer the whole season, but took advantage of two wide open attempts. The second of the two triples capped the run, and Webster’s lead was 16 (28-12).
Not willing to take anything for granted, the Gorloks ensured that Eureka wouldn’t threatened in the second half by scoring 14 of the first 18 points.
Just one game after being out-rebounded and not connecting on free throws, the Gorloks made sure they didn’t experience any déjà vu. WU pounded the glass for 50 rebounds and held the advantage on the boards by 26 (50-24). Webster, the conference’s leader in offensive rebounds, hauled in 21 offensive rebounds. The inside trio of freshmen Ayrica Lockett and Myrtie Reilly, along with junior Julie McGirl did the bulk of the damage on the backboard with 30 of the 50 rebounds.
Reilly scored a career-high 20 points with 14 rebounds and two blocks, while sophomore Katy Meyer scored 11 points.
Webster (10-9 overall, 5-6 SLIAC) will take a break from SLIAC action when they travel to Springfield to take on Robert Morris.
QUOTES
Head Coach Jordan Olufson
Initial thoughts
“It was a great win, especially with us being in the playoff hunt. We were able to get a conference win on the road and hopefully, it will give us some momentum heading into the final six games.”
On responding from the MacMurray loss
“I challenged the girls (to get rebound). When we out-rebound teams, we win games.”
On rebounding
“When you get 3, 4, 5 rebounds from your guards and reserves, it forces a team to box out more than one or two players.”
On defending Lindsay Crum
“I am so proud of (Megan Willett) and Ayrica. They did a fantastic job on (Crum). For us to win this game, we had to shut her down.”
