Waging a second half comeback, the Webster University men's basketball team defeated Principia College, 82-80, at Elsah, IL, on December 5.  The Gorloks had to erase a 13-point deficit and needed some heroics in the game's final minutes to seal the victory.

A basket and foul shot by Jonathan Odjo (JR, West Palm Beach, FL/Suncoast HS) gave Webster its first lead since 15:19 of the first half at 72-71 with 4:02 left in the contest.  A steal and basket by C.J. Moore (JR, Homestead, FL/Miami Killian HS) followed by a three-pointer by Evan Milligan (FR, Evansville, IN/Evansville Central HS) with 1:41 left, gave the Gorloks a 79-76 lead. 

Tevin Evans (SR, St. Louis, MO/Chaminade HS) basket with :57 remaining gave Webster a 81-77 lead but Principia answered with a three to make it 81-80 with :37 left.  Moore was fouled with 4.9 seconds and sank one of his free throws to make it, 82-80, and a last second heave by the Panthers missed its mark.

Webster trailed at the half, 47-35, and Principia still led, 52-39, before the Gorloks made their move.  A three-pointer by Evans and a layup by Moore edged Webster within three, 64-61, with 8:32 left, and the Gorloks were in the game. 

Evans wound up with a team-high 20 points on 7-11 shooting.  Hunter Ward (JR, Kirkwood, MO/Kirkwood HS) had 15 points and three assists and Davian Joseph (JR, Philadelphia, PA/Lewis & Clark CC) had a team-high 14 rebounds.  Adam Etter (JR, Albers, IL/Mater Dei HS) and Xavier Dortch (JR, Stockton, AL/Faulkner St. CC) each had 11 points on the day.

Principia is a much-improved team this season, starting out 3-2 on the season.  The Gorloks, who now have a 26-game win streak against the Panthers dating back to 2003, needed overtime for a 77-72 win and squeaked by the Panthers, 69-67, in their two meetings last season.

The Gorloks outrebounded the Panthers by one, 36-35, but had an impressive 18 offensive boards in the game.  Webster also took good care of the ball, turning the ball over on nine times to Principia's 16.  The Gorloks were also lights out from the free throw line, hitting 16 of 18 attempts.

Webster, coming off record setting night at Greenville where the Gorloks rolled up 134 points, is now 2-0 in the SLIAC and 3-3 overall and 2-0, .

Webster continues their battle of Big Bend at Washington University, on December 9.  The Gorloks have 10 days off before heading to Ft. Lauderdale, FL, on December 19th for the Trip Sports Classic where they will take on Trinity Baptist College and Ave Maria University.