The Webster University women's basketball team fought the good fight, but lost in overtime to Spalding University, 76-71, on February 17 at Grant Gymnasium.  The loss puts a damper on the Gorloks hopes for a St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference postseason tournament berth.

Kelsey Miller (SO, Elizabeth, IN/South Central HS) started the Gorloks off well in the OT, getting fouled on a layup and hitting her free throw for a 69-66 lead.  But Spalding went on a 7-0 run, including three free-throws on a foul on a three-point attempt to take a 73-69 lead at 1:40.  Aley Lucas (SO, Sullivan, MO/Sullivan HS) had a layup at :43 to make it a two-point Webster deficit.  But the Golden Eagles held the Gorloks scoreless the rest of the way for the win. 

In a see-saw affair, the Gorloks had taken a first period lead, saw it disappear in the second, then roared back in the third to lead by eight entering the fourth.  Spalding hit a three with 1:00 remaining to go on top in the fourth, 66-64, but Aley Lucas answered with a layup at :35 to tie it at 66-66.  A last second attempt by the Golden Eagles missed the mark and the game was headed to overtime.

Webster started the game with a 6-0 lead, then was up 11-2 three minutes into the contest.  The Gorloks extended it to 18-6 with 2:00 left in the first and finished the period up, 23-11.  The Gorloks hit a sizzling 10 of their 13 shots for 77% for the period.  The Golden Eagles had the hot hand to start the second period, going on an 11-2 run in the first minute and a half to close within three, 25-22.

Spalding took its first lead at 28-27 with 4:20 left in the second and the Golden Eagles held on for a 34-33 halftime advantage.  As well as Webster dominated the first period, Spalding turned the tables in the second.  The Golden Eagles outrebounded the Gorloks, 17-6, and were 10-21 from the field as opposed to the Gorloks' 4-15 performance.  Spalding's rebounding advantage led to a 16-2 edge in second chance points for the half.

A trio of treys by Miller propelled the Gorloks regain the lead in the third period.  Miller wound up with 10 points in the third as Webster led, 53-45, heading into the final frame, before the game-ending fireworks took place.

Webster is now 9-8 in the SLIAC and 12-12 overall   The Gorloks entered the evening in a three-way tie for fourth place, with one of the teams destined to be the odd one out for the SLIAC postseason tournament, which the top four conference teams participate in.  Webster was tied with Spalding and Eureka College (IL) but wins by both Spalding and Eureka leave them tied at 10-7, with the Gorloks in fifth at 9-8, a game out.

Westminster College and Greenville College (IL) have already clinched spots.  Iowa Wesleyan University, tied for second with Greenvillle, is not eligible yet for SLIAC postseason play.  Spalding is now 16-8 overall.

Miller finished the game with 18 points and five assists.  Megan Brandt (FR, Sullivan, MO/Sullivan HS) had 13 points on 6-8 shooting, and Aley Lucas finished with 12 points and five rebounds.

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.