MacMurray upsets Gorloks in SLIAC semifinals

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Webster University junior forward Roman Robinson tries to dunk over MacMurray College junior guard Cody Best during the Gorloks' 68-62 loss on Feb. 23 at Grant Gymnasium. PHOTO BY GALE WHITEHEAD.

The Webster University men’s basketball team was upset by No. 4-seeded MacMurray College 68-62 in the semifinals of the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference on Thursday at Grant Gymnasium.

The score was tied 19-19 midway through the first half. Webster went on an 18-7 run to take a 37-26 lead into halftime.

The Gorloks continued their pace in the second half and increased their lead to 49-36, but that’s when it all began to unravel for Webster. MacMurray went on a 28-7 run to take a 64-56 lead with 2 minutes remaining.

Webster made a pair of desperation 3-pointers in the final minutes and was forced to foul MacMurray. The Highlanders made their free throws to clinch the 68-62 victory. MacMurray outscored Webster 42-25 in the second half.

MacMurray freshman center Clayton Whitlock, who was named the SLIAC’s Newcomer of the Year prior to the game, led all scorers with 22 points on 10 of 12 shooting, to go along with eight rebounds.

Junior forward Roman Robinson, an All-Conference first team selection, led Webster with 16 points and seven rebounds. Sophomore forward Stefan Whittingham, who was honored as SLIAC Player of the Year, recorded nine points on 3 of 15 shooting and grabbed six rebounds.

Webster ended the season at .500 with a 13-13 overall record. The Gorloks won last year’s SLIAC tournament, but fell short this season.

MacMurray will take on Westminster College in the SLIAC tournament championship on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 1 p.m. at Grant Gymnasium. Westminster pounded third-seeded Eureka College 74-60 prior to the Webster-MacMurray contest.

Check out next week’s print edition of The Journal for full coverage of the Webster men’s basketball team.

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