ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The Webster University men's basketball team was back in action this afternoon when they played host to the Fontbonne (Mo.) University Griffins for the SLIAC Tournament Final. The top seeded Gorloks fell to the second seeded Griffins by a final score of 55-49 to end their season with a 14-13 overall record. With the win, the Griffins improve to 16-11 on the year and will advance to the NCAA Division III Men's Basketball National Tournament.
The Gorloks went 23-for-63 (36.5%) from the floor and 3-for-17 (17.6%) from behind the arc. They outrebounded the Griffins by a final count of 46-40 and pulled down 18 boards on the offensive end. They forced Fontbonne to turn the ball over eight times and turned those turnovers into five points on the other end of the floor. The Gorloks also dished out 10 assists while scoring 28 of their 55 points in the paint.
The Gorloks came out in the first half and jumped out to a 10-6 lead in the first five minutes of the game. They continued to push the tempo as the period progressed and grew their lead 20-8 midway through the frame. Fontbonne battled back and cut the lead to three, but a 7-0 run from Webster to end the half would give them a 33-23 lead at the break.
The Griffins came out of the locker room and started the half on a 12-2 run to tie the score at 35. Webster answered with a 12-4 run of their own to extend their lead back to eight, but another run from the Griffins cut Websters lead to one with five minutes remaining. Fontbonne retook the lead with just over four minutes to play and did not let the Gorloks score another point as they held them off down the stretch to solidify the win.
Karl Moore Jr. led the way for the Gorloks as he finished with 12 points, a game high 11 rebounds, and seven blocks.
Wynne Brown Jr. and
Markus Becton also finished in double figures as Brown Jr. finished with 11 points while Becton added 12.
Following the conclusion of the game, the SLIAC announced the all-tournament team. For their efforts,
Karl Moore Jr. and
Wynne Brown Jr. were both recognized.
This marks the end of the 2022-23 Webster University men's basketball season. The team finished the year with a 14-13 overall record and a 10-4 mark in conference play. They won a share of the SLIAC Regular Season Title and earned the top seed in the SLIAC Men's Basketball Tournament. The team will return to the court next fall.
