Strong First Half Effort Not Enough
Niel DeVasto Sports Information Director
11/18/2009 8:17:55 PM
The Webster University men's basketball team faced an NCAA III "Titan," losing to Illinois Wesleyan University, 78-49, in Bloomington, IL, on November 18. A strong first-half showing on the road in its season opener wasn't enough to carry the Gorloks as Wesleyan took charge in second half and secured the victory.
The Gorloks were down 34-28 at the half on the strength of 50 percent shooting from the field (12-24), including 3-6 from 3-point range, and a 19-14 edge in rebounds. Junior Drew Moore (Northwest HS, STL) had 9 points to pace Webster in the half.
The Titans showed why they have been a Final Four team four out of the last 12 seasons, stiffening up in the second half to take control of the game. Wesleyan, up 36-32 with 15 minutes remaining in the game, went on a 17-4 run that extended its lead to 53-36 with 8:30.
Moore led Webster with 10 points and seven rebounds. Junior Jerry Strickland (Hesperia HS, CA) had 12 points and freshmen Kevin Miller (Belleville East HS, IL) had seven points and five rebounds for the Gorloks.
Webster is now 0-1, and will head to Tennessee to face Maryville College (TN) on November 21 in the James C. Campbell Tournament.