Elmhurst, Ill., December 30, 2011 – Senior guard Dylan Richter nailed an 18-foot jumper from the corner as time expired to lead the Washington University in St. Louis men's basketball team to a key regional road win at Elmhurst College on Friday night in Elmhurst, Ill.
After Jerome Robinson converted 1-of-2 free-throws with four seconds remaining to give Elmhurst a one-point lead (66-65), the Bears threw the ball to half court and called timeout. Washington U. ran the final play in perfection following the timeout, as sophomore Alan Aboona came off a screen at the top of the key and took one dribble before firing a pass to Richter for the game-winner.
Richter scored 12 of his 14 points in the final 6:29 of the contest, and also added a season-high five assists, three rebounds, three assists, two blocks and two steals in the win. Freshman Matt Palucki scored a career-best 14 points on 7-of-9 shooting, while senior Alex Toth (11 points, seven rebounds) and Aboona (11 points, five assists, four rebounds) also scored in double figures.
The Bears shot 45.8 percent (27-59) from the field in the win, and outrebounded Elmhurst 35-28. Zack Boyd had a game-high 24 points for Elmhurst, which dropped its overall record to 7-4.
Palucki had 12 points for the Bears in the first half as Washington U. took a 32-20 lead to the locker room. The Bears largest lead of the game was four (15-11) following a lay-up by Palucki with 13:24 left in the first half.
Washington University closes out non-conference play with an 8-3 record and begins University Athletic Association (UAA) play at home on Saturday, Jan. 7, against the University of Chicago. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m. at the WU Field House. The Maroons won their final two non-conference games and have a 7-4 overall record.
Head coach Mark Edwards picked up the 550th win of his career on Friday against Elmhurst. Edwards is 550-254 (684) in 31 seasons at his alma mater, and is the 15th coach in NCAA Division III history to achieve the feat.
Bear Notebook: The victory over Elmhurst was the first all-time for Washington U. in three meetings … There were 14 ties and 23 lead changes in the contest … Aboona and freshman Brayden Teuschereach made their first career start on Friday … The Bears are 3-1 this season against teams (Augustana, Wheaton, Illinois Wesleyan, Elmhurst) in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) … Washington U. has won 75 of its last 81 games when leading at the half … The Bears have outrebounded nine of 11 opponents this season.