Saint Louis continued its dominant season with a convincing 84-72 win over La Salle at John Glaser Arena. The Billikens, ranked 22nd in the nation, improved to 18-1 behind a balanced attack that saw three players score in double figures. Robbie Avila led the way with 18 points and 6 rebounds, while Brady Dunlap added 17 points and Amari McCottry chipped in 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.
La Salle, despite a strong effort from Josiah Harris, who finished with 19 points and 8 rebounds, was unable to keep pace with the high-powered Saint Louis offense. The Explorers trailed 44-24 at halftime and, although they outscored the Billikens 48-40 in the second half, were never able to seriously threaten the lead. Jerome Brewer Jr. and Jaden Johnson also contributed to the La Salle cause, scoring 15 and 10 points, respectively, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit.
The Billikens' strong first-half performance set the tone for the game, as they shot efficiently and played stifling defense. Saint Louis forced La Salle into difficult shots and limited their opportunities for easy baskets, allowing them to build a comfortable lead. In the second half, La Salle made a push, but the Billikens' depth and balanced attack allowed them to maintain their advantage.
This game was a Quadrant 1 opportunity for La Salle, but the loss drops them to 6-13 on the season. For Saint Louis, the win is a Quadrant 3 victory, which, while not as significant, still helps to bolster their already impressive resume. The Billikens' 18-1 record and 22nd national ranking make them a strong contender for a high seed in the tournament, and performances like this one will only strengthen their case.
The win is a reflection of the Billikens' strength and depth, as they were able to overcome a solid effort from La Salle and secure a double-digit victory. As the season wears on, Saint Louis want to continue its winning ways and solidify its position as one of the top teams in the nation. With a performance like this, they have taken another step in the right direction, and their tournament chances continue to look bright. The Billikens' resume, already impressive, has been further enhanced by this win, and they want to build on this momentum as they move forward.