St. Louis University has had trouble getting schools from big conferences to put it on their schedule, and games like Wednesday night's may show why.
For the second straight season, SLU took on a team from a BCS conference early in the season at home and came away with a win. Last year, it was Boston College of the ACC. This year, it was Nebraska, which SLU handled easily in a 69-55 win at Chaifetz Arena.
The Billikens (2-0) overwhelmed Nebraska on defense, holding it to 33.3 percent shooting in the second half, and draining a steady stream of 3-pointers that keyed an 11-0 run that gave SLU a lead it wouldn't relinquish. Kwamain Mitchell led SLU with 20 points, making seven of 10 field goal attempts. Willie Reed had nine rebounds and seven points. Kyle Cassity had a career-high seven rebounds and four assists.
I'll admit I had this game down as loss when I looked through the Bills' schedule. Taking care of business at home is always the first priority for any young team. If SLU learns how to do that consistently this year that will bode well for upcoming seasons.
I'm pleased, and I'm bumping up my season prediction on wins from 7 to 8.
I'll gladly do that a few more times this year.
IN OTHER BILLIKEN NEWS:
The SLU soccer team takes on Missouri State in the NCAA tournament today. If recent tourney history means anything for the Billikens I'd be expecting a loss. However, this team was such a long shot to even make the NCAA's in the first place (they needed to with the A-10 tournament for the first time ever to qualify), maybe they will surprise. They don't have anything to lose really.
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