The Webster University men's basketball postseason hopes took hit as it lost to Spalding University, 74-65, on February 17 at Grant Gymnasium.  The Gorloks desperately needed a win to help secure a spot in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference posteason tournament berth.

The Gorloks entered the evening in a four-way tie for third place at 9-7 in the SLIAC, with only the top four teams heading to the conference postseason tournament.  Webster entered the game tied with Blackburn College (IL) , Iowa Wesleyan University, and Westminster College.  Iowa Wesleyan is not yet eligible for postseason play, leaving the rest of the SLIAC to battle it out for the other two top spots.

The Gorloks' loss puts Spalding into play as well, as it improves to 9-8 and ties Webster in the standings.  Blackburn is 9-8 with a loss at Eureka College (IL) and Eureka, 9-8 also, has entered the fray as well.  Westminster was at MacMurray College (IL).  MacMurray College (IL) and Greenville College (IL) sat atop the standings at 11-4 coming into the evening's action.

Webster and Spalding were tied, 20-20, at 10:00 in the first half.  A pair of threes helped give Spalding a lead and they finished the half ahead, 39-32.  The Golden Eagles continued to grind it out in the second haf.  Spalding had extended its lead to 12, 51-36, with 15:00 left in the second and at one point led 69-52.  A Webster 12-3 run dropped the deficit to single digits, 72-64, with 2:00 remaining.  The Gorloks ran out of magic as the Golden Eagles secured the victory.

Hunter Ward (JR, Kirkwood, MO/Kirkwood HS) led the Gorloks with 17 points, nine rebounds, and four steals on the night.  Jahmad Wilburn (FR, Deerfield Beach, FL/Deerfield Beach HS) had 10 points and four rebounds off the bench. 

Webster is 9-8 in the SLIAC and 12-12 overall.  Spalding is 9-8 and 11-13 overall.

The Gorloks wind up regular season play with a home game vs. Iowa Wesleyan University on February 20.  In addition to the exciting conclusion to the SLIAC races that day: the St. Louis Falcons Special Olympics basketball team will be playing a halftime exhibition at the women's game, the Webster SAAC is holding a canned good drive (bring one!), and Webster's newest Hall of Fame members will be introduced at halftime of the men's contest.