Principia Fights Hard but Loses Late to Webster 81-71

Elsah, IL- The Principia Panthers played host to the Webster University Gorloks in their 11^th conference game of the season on Tuesday January 23, 2018. Both teams came into the game right in the middle of the pack in conference standings. In a game of runs Webster was ultimately able to come out on top 81-71.

The game started off extremely slow for the Panthers as they struggled to score on the offensive end. Webster got off to a decent start hitting a few shots early and opening up a 14 point lead just 7 minutes into the game. Principia finally locked in on offensive and went on a 12-2 scoring run over the next 6 minutes. Three consecutive layups and a 3 pointer by Payton Sellers sparked a run to get the Panthers back into the game. After Principia cut the lead to 4 points Webster fired right back and pushed their lead right back up to 8 points with consecutive points in the paint. The game swung right back in favor of the Panthers after a thunderous two hand slam by Jeff Ross fired up the crowd and team. Micah Paulson drew two defenders into the paint and kicked out to brother Brennan Paulson for a big time corner three pointer. Micah was able to come down the next possession and hit a tough mid-range jumper to give the Panthers their first lead of the half after trailing by 14 points.

The Panthers started the second half off with two solid offensive possessions as TreVaughn Goodman made a layup and Brennan Paulson hit a three pointer off good ball movement. Unfortunately three consecutive turnovers by the Panthers allowed the Gorloks to go on another run and balloon their lead back up to 12 points. As the game of runs continued the Panthers began to chip away at the large Webster lead over the next few minutes. Five minutes after trailing 12 points a block on one end and a layup on the other gave Principia a 1 point lead. But once again back to back turnovers by the Panthers pushed the Gorloks back into the lead. Principia was not able to make another comeback from this point forward.

The final minutes of the game both teams played evenly but Webster was able to hit tough shots down the stretch to secure the game. Both teams made runs but ultimately Principia was not able to overcome the final Webster run as they lose 81-71.
 
Good to Know
The Panthers had another even balance offensive effort as four starters finished in double digits. Micah led the way with 22 points 6 assists and 6 rebounds. Parker Davidson had his second consecutive double-double with 18 points and 12 boards.

Up Next
Principia Men's Basketball hits the road to Jacksonville, IL to take on MacMurray College on Saturday January 27^th at 3pm.