11/8/2025 Fulton, MO – Westminster men's basketball opened the 2025–26 season on the road Saturday afternoon, falling just short in a tightly contested battle at Knox College, 68–65, inside Memorial Gym.
The game featured 13 lead changes and stayed within single digits for nearly the entire 40 minutes. Westminster trailed 31–30 at halftime and continued to trade punches with the Prairie Fire throughout the second half, but a late Knox run proved to be the difference.
Kolton Garner led the Blue Jays with a standout performance, scoring a game-high 20 points on six made threes (6-for-16 from deep). Walker Gohring and Jamile Johnson each added 10 points, with Gohring also contributing eight rebounds and five assists. Johnson provided a strong interior presence of his own, shooting 5-for-6 from the field and grabbing seven boards.
Roman Phillips delivered an efficient spark off the bench, scoring six points on a perfect 3-for-3 shooting afternoon. Sean LaRose chipped in seven points, knocking down a three and going 4-for-4 from the free-throw line.
Despite the loss, Westminster controlled the glass with a 40–37 rebounding advantage and recorded 16 assists on 24 made baskets. Cold shooting spells ultimately limited the Blue Jays in the closing minutes.
Westminster (0–1) returns home for its next matchup, hosting Coe College on Tuesday, November 11 at 7:20 p.m.
