Washington U. overtakes second-half play as Griffins suffer fourth straight loss

Santa Cruz, Calif. - After only trailing by two points at halftime, the Fontbonne University men's basketball team fell to No. 4-ranked Washington University last night 67-82 in Santa Cruz, Calif. Fontbonne is searching for their first win of the season with a 0-4 record.

Fontbonne took a 10-0 lead to begin the game and secured a 23-15 lead before Washington U. pulled within two points (21-23) with nine minutes to play in the first half. The Griffins held onto the lead until 6:41 left in the half. Blake Welch made two layups in a row for a 36-35 lead for the Griffins with just over a minute to play. The Bears led 38-36 heading into the locker room.

Welch went 3-3 from three-point range during the first half and scored his final three-pointer to take a 43-41 Griffin lead with 17:18 left to play. It was the final Fontbonne lead of the game. Washington U. went on a 12-2 run to lead by 10 points and never looked back.

The Griffins forced a season-high 22 turnovers for the Bears turning those into 27 points. The Bears brought down 42 rebounds to Fontbonne's 22 and shot 50% or greater in each shooting category.

Welch finished the game with 20 points, shooting four of six from long range. Jared Greenlee added 11 points off the bench while Ben Kissing scored eight points and grabbed six rebounds. K. Tyler Williams ran the point with eight assists and eight points.

The Griffins open conference play at Principia College in Elsah, Ill. this Tuesday, December 2nd. Tipoff is slated around 8pm.