Men’s Basketball Leaves CCIW/SLIAC Challenge 0-2

The Westminster men’s basketball team leaves the CCIW/SLIAC Challenge 0-2 after falling to Elmhurst College on Sunday, 72-48.

Junior Matt Murphy hit two three-pointers to start the game with a 6-0 lead. A layup by sophomore Tanner Gentges and a three-pointer by senior Brandon Moore gave the Blue Jays an 11-5 advantage, but Elmhurst went on a 17-0 run to take the 22-11 lead. With 5:04 remaining in the first half, Elmhurst held the 34-17 lead. Junior Kellen Brondel put in a layup, followed by two shots by junior Jordan Jensen and two by Moore to cut Elmhurst’s lead to just six points. Elmhurst hit two three pointers to bring back their cushion, and the Blue Jays headed into halftime down 43-31.

Elmhurst came out in the second half and increased their lead to 17 points in the first two minutes. A three-pointer by junior Jay Zalis brought the game to 55-43, but Elmhurst followed with a nine point run to take a 21 point lead, 64-43. The Blue Jays were unable to cut into Elmhurst’s lead, ending the game with a 72-48 loss.

Moore led the Blue Jay’s offense with 13 points. Murphy added 11 points, four rebounds and two blocks. Freshman Tanner Cochran also pulled down four boards.

The Blue Jays travel to the University of Central Missouri on Saturday, November 22 for a 7:00 p.m. game time.