The Washington University Bears, ranked No. 6 in the country, defeated the Webster University men’s basketball team 72-49 on Wednesday, Dec. 5 at Grant Gymnasium. WashU improved to 8-0 on the season while the Gorloks fell to 4-3.
Webster entered the contest on a three-game winning streak, but the Gorloks were no match for the two-time NCAA Division-III national champion Bears. After entering halftime with a 37-25 edge, WashU used its distinct size advantage to pull away in the second half.
A 2-point bucket by Webster sophomore center Aaron Griffin cut WashU’s lead to 9 points with 9 1/2 minutes remaining in the game, but that’s as close as the Gorloks would get. WashU exploded for a 13-1 run after Griffin’s basket to extend its lead to 64-43 with 4 minutes to play.
Two seasons ago, Webster upended the Bears 61-58 at Grant Gymnasium. Last season, WashU whipped Webster 74-50 at WashU. With tonight’s win, WashU improved its all-time record against Webster to 19-2.
The Bears shot 43.1 percent from the field while limiting the Gorloks to 38.5 percent shooting. WashU attempted 13 more shots in the game thanks to its 48-25 rebounding advantage. Twenty-two of the Bears’ rebounds came on the offensive end.
Webster’s starting frontcourt of Griffin (6-foot-6-inch) and senior forward Roman Robinson (6-3) had a significant size disadvantage. The Bears started 6-7 Robert Burnett, 6-6 Matt Palucki and 6-5 Chris Klimek. The Bears pounded the ball inside on most possessions and were rewarded with short jump-shot opportunities and easy layups.
Robinson and senior guard Dietrick Sooter led the way for the Gorloks with 10 points apiece. Sophomore guard and leading scorer Ahmad Smith scored 8 points, while Griffin chipped in 7.
Next up for Webster is a road game at 0-5 Elmhurst College (Ill.) on Saturday, Dec. 8. On Dec. 15, the Gorloks travel to Mississippi to play 6-6 Rust College.
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