Men’s Basketball Team Kicks Off Season in Help the Homeless Classic
By Luke A Rinne, Sports Information Coordinator

The Webster Gorloks men’s basketball squad opened its 2007-08 season by hosting the Help the Homeless Classic on November 16 and 17 at Grant Gym. The Gorloks went 2-0 on the weekend and raised $820 while collecting canned goods and clothing items for the homeless shelters at Sts. Paul and Peter.

WU opened the season by defeating Transylvania University 70-54 behind 21 points from junior guard Ryan Turk. After the Pioneers cut the Gorlok lead to 50-41 with 6:27 remaining in the game, Webster responded with a 14-0 run over the next three minutes to push its lead to 64-41 and coast to the victory. Turk led four Gorloks in double figures. Senior forward Darin Hoggatt and senior center Brad Robinson chipped in with 12 apiece and sophomore forward Josue’ Whitcomb added 10 more. With his 12 points Hoggatt reached the 1,000 point plateau for his career.

On Saturday, Webster rallied from an eight point deficit to take its first lead since late in the first half on a three point basket from Turk with 1:28 remaining in the contest. After a pair of free throws gave Hanover the lead back with 0:34 remaining, the Gorloks’ Luke Niebrugge hit a lay-up with 0:09 seconds left to put WU back on top. The Panthers regained the lead on a jumper with 2.5 seconds left but Turk answered right back with a half-court shot at the buzzer to give Webster a 51-49 victory.

For the weekend Turk averaged 15.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and shot 53 percent (9-of-17) from the floor to earn St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Week honors.

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