February 11, 2008

There are only five dates remaining for SLIAC competition, and the top four teams on both the men's and women's side are taking form. Webster University's men and Maryville University's women remained undefeated and in control of first place. The Gorloks survived a 54-49 victory versus second place Fontbonne University last week, before handily defeating Blackburn College 82-56 behind Ryan Turk's 19 points. The Saints broke the 100-point plateau for the first time this season with a 101-62 victory versus Westminster College. Maryville then tied the all-time NCAA DIII women's basketball regular season conference win streak (72 games) with a 63-49 win on the road at Greenville College. Allie Wilhelm led Maryville with 20 points and 12 rebounds versus the Panthers.

The Fontbonne men and women both currently sit in second place with records of 10-2 in conference play. The Griffins women will look to spoil Maryville's winning streak this Wednesday at home. The Griffins men, on the other hand, will face a Saints squad that needs a win to stay in the running for the fourth spot in the SLIAC Tournament. Maryville's men's team has dropped their last three SLIAC games, two of which have been in overtime.

Sitting in third place for the men is Westminster at 8-3, while Greenville's women are also 8-3 and currently in third place. The Blue Jays had two battles last week but were able to come away with a 69-60 overtime victory on the road at Maryville and a 78-70 victory at home versus MacMurray College. Greenville looks to be in control of securing a spot in the SLIAC Tournament, but they have two road games this week, including one at Blackburn College, and the Beavers are currently 6-6 after posting two victories last week.

In the men's race Eureka College is currently in fourth place at 7-5, but Greenville (6-5) and Maryville (6-6) are right on the heels of the Red Devils. One loss could end anyone's tournament hopes down the stretch.

In the women's race Blackburn is currently in fourth place at 6-6, while Westminster and Principia College both stand at 4-7.

 

© 2007 St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference