The Gorlocks are coming

Webster University of the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) visits the Shirk Center tomorrow evening as the Titans get back to action after a 6-day layoff. The Gorlocks were co-champs of the SLIAC last year, finishing 10-4 in conference play (16-10 overall). This year they're 2-2, beginning the year with impressive home wins over Midwest region teams Transylvania and Hanover, before falling twice in their own tournament last weekend -- 65-50 to UW-Platteville and 85-64 to Augustana of the CCIW.

Webster features returning 1st Team All-SLIAC performer Darrin Hoggatt (18.9 ppg, 7.0 rpg in '06-07), a 6-6 center from Fordland, Missouri. 6-8 Corey Kuhn (10.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg in '06-07) is also back. Both are off to a slow start this year, with Hoggatt averaging 9.3 points and Kuhn just 2.8. The Gorlocks are led in scoring by 5-9 junior guard Ryan Turk (11.3 ppg) and 6-6 senior Brad Robinson (10.3 ppg).

Like Dominican, this is a another team that should be right in the middle of the title picture in a weak league. It should be another perfect test for the young Titans and a game they should win if they play well, but will lose if they don't.

Webster starts a Niebrugge from T-Town (Luke) and a "Corey Kuhn." Those two names should bring back fond memories for Titan fans. Brent Niebrugge ('98) and Korey Coon ('00) -- two former CCIW M.O.P's and starters on IWU's national title team. Let's hope Luke and Corey don't find the Shirk quite as welcoming!

Join Eric Stock and I on WJBC if you can't make it.