The Webster University men's basketball team, playing in just its second game in 18 days, picked up a conference win with a 78-68 victory over Iowa Wesleyan University, on January 3 at Grant Gym. The Gorloks made it a little close for their comfort, but came away with the win as they improved to 3-2 in the SLIAC.
The Gorloks took a 45-33 halftime lead after shooting 50% (18-36) on the half, committing only three turnovers, and having a 22-16 edge in rebounds. Josh Johnson (SO, St. Louis, MO/Clayton) and Nigel Wilcox (FR, Alpharetta, GA/Centennial) each had 10 points in the half. Webster only led, 25-24, at 8:20, against the 1-10 Tigers, but outscored them 20-9 the rest of the way.
Webster maintained its lead in the second, leading 56-44 at 12:23, 62-51 at 9:00, and still ahead by eight, 64-56, at 7:30. But the Tigers went on a 10-2 run to make it a 66-66 tie at 4:15 and the Gorloks had themselves a game. Christian Crespo (FR, Royal Palm Beach, FL/Royal Palm Beach) hit a big three-pointer at 4:07 to put Webster back on top, 69-66, and a Wilcox jumper at 3:29 made it 71-66. Wilcox had a big block with Webster holding a 73-68 lead at 1:30. The Gorloks hit their free throws in the final minute as they iced the game, 78-68. Despite 'bending', the Gorloks never trailed in the half.
Wilcox had a team-high 18 points, on 9-12 shooting, and tied for the team lead with eight rebounds. Wilcox also had three blocks in the game, giving him 21 on the season. Johnson had 15 points and eight rebounds as well. Crespo had 12 points and a team-high seven assists and Michael Dunn (SR, Tallahassee, FL/Lawton Chiles) broke double figures with 10 points and also had five rebounds and four assists. Davian Joseph (SR, Philadelphia, PA/Lewis & Clark CC) had seven points, five rebounds, three assists, and three blocks off the bench, in just 17 minutes of play.
Webster is 3-2 in the SLIAC and 6-6 overall. Wesleyan had won five of the last six meetings between the two teams before taking the loss.
Webster is right back in action on January 6 as the team travels to Louisville, KY, to take on Spalding University.
