Griffins can't hold off Webster's late rally

St. Louis, Mo. - Fontbonne women's basketball were winning against Webster for 35 minutes today, but eight fourth-quarter turnovers and a late Gorlok rally handed the Griffins their third straight loss. Fontbonne fell to their Big Bend rivals 74-71.

The Griffins led 16-10 in the first quarter until Webster drained a three-pointer in their final possession. Fontbonne then led 27-20 halfway through the second frame when the Gorloks posted five points to pull within two. The Griffins held on through the third quarter, winning 39-32.

Nadine Vaughn cut Fontbonne's lead to 47-42 with 6:50 left in the third when the Griffins opened the spread with nine unanswered points for a 14-point advantage with just three minutes to go (56-42). With four Griffin turnovers, Webster trailed by just nine points heading into the fourth quarter.

Webster scored eight straight points to pull within one point, including two three's. The teams would exchange baskets with a tied score three times before Fontbonne went up by one with 1:33 to play. With 14 seconds left, Webster's Kelsey Miller connected on her seventh long-ball of the game to take a two-point lead. A Griffin timeout with 11 seconds left ensured that they would retain the ball on their offensive half of the court, with plenty of time for a winning basket. Unfortunately, the inbounds pass was turned over, ensuring Webster the victory.

Emmie Haring recorded a career-tying 12 assists in the loss with 11 points, five rebounds and five steals. Nicole Joerger went six-of-nine with 13 points and six rebounds while Erika Kuhn's 10 rebounds was the game-high.

For Webster, Miller's hot hands finished with 26 points, going 7-of-10 from behind the arc and 5-of-6 at the free-throw line.

The loss cuts deep for the Griffins who are battling Webster and Eureka for a spot in the SLIAC tournament. Fontbonne out-rebounded Webster 42-23, but their 35 turnovers allowed Webster to score 30 points. The Gorloks turned the ball over 26 times.

Fontbonne hosts St. Mary of the Woods College tomorrow, Sunday February 7th at noon, followed by Greenville on Wednesday at 6 p.m.