Jemard Sykes II
73
Winner Centre Centre 4-2,0-0 SAA
61
Webster WEBSTR 0-4,0-0 SLIAC
Winner
Centre Centre
4-2,0-0 SAA
73
Final
61
Webster WEBSTR
0-4,0-0 SLIAC
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Centre Centre 25 48 73
Webster WEBSTR 35 26 61

Game Recap: Men's Basketball | | Kyle Jones

Gorloks Fall Short To Centre In Webster Classic Opener

ST. LOUIS, Mo. - The Webster University men's basketball team opened the 2024 Webster Classic with a non-conference matchup against Centre College Friday evening in Grant Gymnasium. The Gorloks battled the Colonels but dropped this decision by the final score of 61-73.  

In the opening minutes of action, Webster and Centre exchanged baskets to a 9-8 deficit that included a pair of baskets from Justin Ugo and Sebastian Reed. Shortly later, senior Gabe Mccrary answered with six straight points for the Gorloks that tied the game at 14 apiece. 

Moments later, Webster countered with a 13-5 run which generated the five-point advantage at 21-16. In the run, senior Gabe Mccrary scored six consecutive points while first-year Cooper Kelley netted a deep three-pointer. In addition, Reed and Will Burroughs capped out the run with back-to-back baskets.

With just over seven minutes remaining in the half, the Gorloks increased their lead to double-digits at 29-18 with an 8-0 run. In the run, Ugo added six points while Reed sank a shot in the paint. Webster and Centre closed out the first half exchanging baskets as Jemard Sykes II added four points which generated a 35-25 Gorlok halftime lead. 

The Gorloks opened the second half with the possession which resulted in another basket by Reed. Moments later, Sykes II gave Webster the 13-point advantage at 40-27 by netting a three-point basket. However, the Colonels responded with a 12-0 run that cut the lead down to three at 42-39. Shortly later, Webster increased their lead to seven at 46-39 with points from Sykes II and Ugo. 

At the 12:07 mark, Centre countered with an 11-0 run that generated a four-point deficit at 46-50. Moments later, the Gorloks answered with an 8-0 run that started on a mid-range jump shot by Reed. In addition, Ugo battled through the contact and converted the conventional three-point play by sinking the free-throw at the line. Sykes II capped out the run by netting his second three-point basket of the game which gave the Gorloks the 54-50 lead.
  
With just over six minutes left in regulation, the Colonels responded with a 13-0 run that was eventually snapped on a basket by Mccrary. In the final minute, Sykes II cashed in on his third three-point basket of the contest. 
 
For the game, three student-athletes achieved double-digit scoring marks led by Ugo with 19 points. Sykes II recorded his third straight double-digit performance with 15 points while Reed contributed 12 points. At the glass, Sykes II led the team with eight rebounds while Ugo and Reed secured seven apiece. Defensively, Mccrary collected two steals as Ugo, Alpha Diallo, and Jonah Hibbert recorded a block apiece.  

The Gorloks will close the Webster Classic hosting Illinois Wesleyan University on November 23 starting at 3:00PM in Grant Gymnasium. 
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