Blue Jays Fall Short On Senior Night

The Westminster men’s basketball team fell short, 78-72, to Webster University Wednesday night after honoring their five seniors. The Blue Jays are now 11-6 in conference play and 14-10 overall.

The Webster Gorloks quickly took a 5-0 lead, but a jumper and two threes brought the Blue Jays up by one, 8-7. The back-and-forth game was tied up four times in the next four minutes. The Gorloks managed to take the lead with 10:57 remaining in the first half. The Blue Jays held close, but with 3 minutes remaining in the half, the Gorloks took off. They scored 9 unanswered points, taking an 11 point lead to head into halftime up 47-36.

The Blue Jays were down by 10 throughout most of the second half, but senior Jordan Jones jump started a 6-0 run with a fast break layup. With 5:25 left, the Blue Jays trailed 63-59. The Blue Jays kept battling, and a steal and short jumper in the paint brought the game within two, 67-65. The Gorloks pulled back away, but in the final minute of the game the Blue Jays were able to bring the game within two.

With 20 seconds remaining, the Blue Jays resorted to fouling to stop the clock. The Gorloks hit both free throws, taking a 4 point lead, 76-72.  The Blue Jays attempted a three, but did not find the basketball. They fouled again with 12 seconds left, and the Gorloks once again hit both free throws. The Blue Jays pushed up the court and attempted a shot, but ultimately fell 78-72.

Senior Joe James scored the game high 20 points and added four boards, 5 assists and three steals to the loss. Jones recorded 17 points after going 6-8 from the field.

The Blue Jays honored five seniors: Jordan Jones, Joe James, Blake Berkbuegler, Travis Cleveland and Matt Shanahan.

The Blue Jays travel to Louisville, Ky. to face Spalding University in the final regular season conference match-up. Tip-off is at 8:00 p.m.