The Webster University women's basketball team came up just short in its bid to beat SLIAC-leading Greenville University, losing 81-79, on January 17 at Grant. The Gorloks overcame a 12-point second half deficit to tie the game late, but a last second shot came up short. The loss snapped a four-game win streak for Webster.
In the fourth period, after trailing much of the game and with Greenville leading by eight, Webster made its move. Megan Brandt, Ebony Bailey (SR, Dolton, IL/Seton Academy) and Taylor Lucas (SR, Sullivan, MO/Sullivan) hit consecutive baskets to pull Webster within two, 72-70, at 4:50, the closest they had been since seconds into the third period. Back to back baskets by Taylor Lucas and Aley Lucas (SR, Sullivan, MO/Sullivan) tied it up at 74-74 with 3:09 left in the game. The Gorloks missed a pair of three-point attempts as the Panthers regained the lead at 78-74, with 1:45 left.
Brandt (SR, Sullivan, MO/Sullivan) hit a three-pointer with 41 seconds remaining to tie the game at 79-79. The Panthers hit a basket at 0:07 to regain the lead and after a timeout, a Jade Sawyer (SO, Republic, MO/Republic) three-pointer for the win missed its mark as Webster fell, 81-79
Both teams battled it out with numerous lead changes and several ties in the first period. Greenville opened up an early four-lead, but by the 3:07 mark a three-pointer by Natalie Busscher (JR, Mundelein, IL/Mundelein) gave Webster a five-point lead at 18-13. The Panthers would regain the lead only for the Gorloks to close the period up, 24-23. The second saw Greenville go up by one, 31-30, on a three-pointer at 7:55, and the Panthers held onto the lead the rest of the period. The teams entered the locker room at half with Greenville up, 46-42, as the Panthers hit a three at the buzzer.
The Panthers shot a hot 66.6% (18-27) from the field for the half, including a scorching 83.6% (5-6) from the three-point line. Webster shot well at 47% (17-36) and 50% (5-10) from beyond the arc. The Gorloks had nine steals, forcing 13 turnovers while committing just six. Taylor Lucas had four points, four rebounds, three assists, and three steals in the half for Webster.
Kelsey Miller (SR, Elizabeth, IN/South Central) hit a basket to pull Webster within two to start the third, but Greenville went on a 12-2 run to take a 56-46 lead at 5:48. The Gorloks went on a 9-2 run, highlighted by a pair of baskets by Brandt, to cut the deficit to 60-55 at 3:41 in the period. The Panthers kept up their hot shooting pace, hitting 63.7% (26-41) for the game and led heading into the fourth, 67-61. Webster forced nine more turnovers in the half as they picked up six steals, but it wasn't enough to overcome Greenville's shooting prowess.
Greenville finished the game at 58.2% (32-55), and the Panthers tall front line gave them a 39-32 edge on the board and a 6-1 advantage in blocked shots. The Gorloks forced 27 turnovers in the game, turning the ball over only 10 times themselves, and had 18 steals, but shot 40.3% (31-77) from the field.
Brandt finished with a team-high 15 points on 6-9 shooting. Aley Lucas had nine points and a team-high seven rebounds, along with four assists and steals. Bailey, Taylor Lucas, and Jaysea Morgan (SO, Fisk, MO/Twin Rivers) all finished with 10 points in the game. Taylor Lucas had six rebounds and a team-high five steals.
After starting 1-2 in the SLIAC, the Gorloks had won four straight conference games before the loss to Greenville. Webster is 5-3 in the SLIAC and 11-5 overall. Greenville improves to 7-0 as they hold down first, and 12-3 overall.
The Gorloks continue their home stand when they host Westminster College on January 20 at Grant Gym.
