SLIAC Game of the Week: Blackburn at Webster

At a Glance

This week's SLIAC Game of the Week is between Blackburn College and Webster University. Last season saw the two teams split the season series with just a two-point scoring differential in the two games combined. Webster won the first game 88-85 but Blackburn exacted revenge with a 65-60 win one month later, with each team winning on the road. This week's game will be played in St. Louis, Mo. on Saturday, January 13 at 3 p.m.

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Blackburn College 'BEAVERS'

Blackburn starts the week with an 8-5 overall record and a 4-2 record in the SLIAC. The Beavers have won three of their last four games and are on the road this week with games against Spalding and Webster. 

Blackburn has had success with their strong defense this season, ranking 3rd in opponents field goal percentage and allowing the second best opponents three-point field goal percentage in the league. They are averaging 80.6 points per game on offense and allowing 78.3 points per game. Duncan King (14.9 ppg) and Karson Hayes (13.8 ppg) are the team's leading scorers this year with Hayes ranking 4th in the SLIAC in three-point percentage. Malcolm Scott and Jamaya Wyatt give the team an inside presence with each averaging over 8 points and 5 rebounds per game while shooting over 60-percent from the floor.

Webster University 'GORLOKS'

Webster enters the week with a 6-7 overall mark and a 3-3 record in conference play. The Gorloks have dropped three of their last four and will face MacMurray on the road on Wednesday night before hosting Blackburn on Saturday.

Webster has struggled to find consistent traction offensively this season, ranking 9th in the league at 72.8 points per game, but are strong defensively, ranking 3rd at 75.3 points per game. The Gorloks are an athletic team with a deep rotation that features seven players averaging 20 or more minutes per game. Christian Crespo leads the team at 14.2 points per game and is dangerous from the outside, ranking 3rd in three-point percentage. Enrique Tankins can be a match-up problem as a 6'3" point forward that is averaging 10.2 points and 6.0 rebounds per game while leading the team with 57 assists.

Last Time They Met
Blackburn defeated Webster 65-60 in their last meeting, a Feb. 11th game in St. Louis, Mo. Blackburn jumped out to a 38-29 lead by halftime but the Gorloks were able to tie the game at 50-50 midway through the second. Blackburn pulled away down the stretch with Jordan Clay sparking the way with a three. Jake Maestranzi led the team with 13 points and five assists. Evan Milligan paced Webster with 22 points.