Sebastian Reed
74
Winner Webster WEBSTR 5-6,4-0 SLIAC
70
Westminster (MO) WESTMO 1-10,0-4 SLIAC
Winner
Webster WEBSTR
5-6,4-0 SLIAC
74
Final
70
Westminster (MO) WESTMO
1-10,0-4 SLIAC
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Webster WEBSTR 43 31 74
Westminster (MO) WESTMO 35 35 70

Game Recap: Men's Basketball | | Kyle Jones

Gorloks Hold Off Late Westminster Rally For Fourth Straight SLIAC Victory

FULTON, Mo. - The Webster University men's basketball team returned to the hardwood for the first time in three weeks with an in-state conference decision at Westminster College Saturday afternoon. The Gorloks withstood a furious second-half comeback by the Blue Jays and took the victory by the final score of 74-70. With the victory, Webster currently claims the top spot in the SLIAC rankings with an undefeated record of 4-0 which includes two victories over Westminster.

WU's Sebastian Reed recorded new career-highs in points and rebounds with 21 points and eight rebounds. In addition, Karl Moore Jr. had another fantastic performance where he secured his sixth double-double of the season with 15 points and 12 rebounds as he sealed the victory by sinking two clutch free-throws in the final seconds. 

In the opening minutes of play, the Gorloks jumped out to an early 8-2 advantage that started on a free-throw by Jemard Sykes II. On the next Gorlok possession, St. Louis native, Josh Luster knocked down a deep three-point basket. WU's Reed got his career night with two baskets in the paint that capped off the run.

Moments later, the Blue Jays answered with a 9-0 run that generated a one-point deficit at 9-8. Both teams continued this decision exchanging baskets as a three-point basket by WC's Kolton Garner tied the game at 14 apiece. Midway through the first half, the Gorloks erupted for a 14-3 run as Jonah Hibbert and Moore Jr. recorded five points each. In addition, Sykes II added a jumper in the paint as Reed capped off by draining a pair of free-throws that increased the lead to double-digits at 28-17. 

Moments later, Webster generated a 6-1 run that was started on a layup by Alpha Diallo. In addition to Diallo, Moore Jr cashed in a short jumper in the paint as Justin Ugo capped off the run with a pair of free-throws that increased the lead to 37-23. However, the Blue Jays closed out the first half with an 8-2 run that generated a halftime lead of 43-35. 

Webster opened the second half with baskets by Moore Jr and Gabe Mccrary that increased the lead back to double-digit at 48-35. At the 15:46 mark, Sykes II started a 9-0 run with a three-point basket as Reed capped it off with six consecutive points that made the score 57-39. Moments later, the Blue Jays got red hot from the field and generated an 18-2 run that cut the lead down to two 59-57. Following a made free-throw by Moore Jr, Westminster took the 61-60 advantage with back-to-back baskets. Approximately one minute later, Reed gave Webster the 63-61 advantage with three consecutive points. 

With just under four minutes to go, Webster and Westminster traded three-point baskets as Hibbert, Luster, and Sykes II netted one apiece that gave the Gorloks the 72-68 lead. In the final minute of play, the Blue Jays cut the lead in half at 72-70 but Moore closed out the game with a pair of free-throws that generated the final score.  

For the game, Reed led the offensive attack with 21 points while Moore Jr contributed 15 points while leading the team with 12 rebounds. The final double-figure scorer was Hibbert with 14 points off the bench. Defensively, Moore Jr was a dominant force as he recorded all three of the team's blocks and swiped a team-high three steals.   

The Gorloks will continue conference play on Wednesday, January 8 with a visit to Eureka College starting at 7:30PM in Eureka, Illinois.
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