The Webster University men's basketball team captured the 2014 SLIAC Tournament title with a 55-51 win over Spalding University on Saturday. The tournament title is the second in program history for Webster and gives them a bid into the NCAA Division III National Tournament field. Spalding, the top seeded team in the tournament and SLIAC regular season champion entered Saturday's championship game in search of their second consecutive tournament championship. Webster meanwhile game into Saturday on a four game winning streak and in search of their second title in program history. The two teams had battled each to a split during the regular season, with each team winning at home, and today's third meeting with everything on the line. Playing in front of a full house host Spalding jumped out to a quick 8-2 lead behind three's from Brandon Gabriel (6'1''-G) and Brandon Goeing. The Golden Eagles led by nine just six minutes into the game but saw Webster climb back into the game and tie the score up 10 minutes later as Spalding managed just two points during the stretch. A three by Spalding's Jovante Lavender gave the top seed a 27-20 lead with 2:58 left in the first-half and as though the Golden Eagles threatened to pull away. However the Gorloks once again battled their way back in the physical contest as they turned inside to their big man Kevin Miller (6'8''-C). Miller scored six of his team's next seven points to even the score at 27-27 with just 18-seconds remaining. A pair of missed free-throws by Spalding allowed Webster one last chance to take the lead into the break. Hunter Ward (6'3''-G) received an inbounds pass and raced just past mid-court where he was fouled at the buzzer on a three-point attempt. Ward knocked down two of three shots to give Webster a 29-27 lead as the teams headed into halftime. The second-half was evenly played as neither team held a lead larger than four points. Spalding took a 50-49 lead on a Quayshaun Hamilton layup with 3:20 remaining in the game, which would be their final lead of the day. Webster quickly answered with a three from Ward and would never look back. Hollis Edwards (5'10''-PG) added a layup to extend the Gorlok lead to 54-40 with 1:25 left. Spalding had their chances down the stretch but missed three straight three-point attempts. Webster's Miller iced the game when he knocked down a free-throw with 1-second remaining for a 55-51 lead. Webster shot 41-percent in the game while holding Spalding to just 28-percent shooting. Miller led all players with 19 points and 13 rebounds as he earned SLIAC Tournament MVP honors. Hunter Ward (6'3''-G) finished with 15 points. Spalding was led by Domonique Sangester's 12 points while Brandon Gabriel added 10 points.
All-Tournament MVP:
Kevin Miller (6'8''-C) of Webster Player of the Year:
Brady Slagle (6'6''-F) of MacMurray Newcomer of the Year:
Bryan Degeare (6'8''-F) of Fontbonne Coach of the Year:
Kevin Gray of Spalding
Bunch
