Thrilling Matchup: Billikens vs. Dukes
In a thrilling matchup, the No. 24 ranked Saint Louis Billikens secured a narrow 81-77 victory against Duquesne on Tuesday evening, thanks in large part to the combined efforts of Robbie Avila, Dion Brown, and Trey Green, each contributing 14 points. This win marks the Billikens’ twelfth consecutive triumph, moving their season record to 18-1 and maintaining an unblemished 6-0 in Atlantic 10 play.
Resilience and Roster Depth
Despite once enjoying a significant 17-point advantage in the second half, Saint Louis found themselves fighting off a determined late-game charge by the Dukes. With this victory, the Billikens are on track to match a historic 12-0 start established during the 1993-94 season if they claim another win against St. Bonaventure this Friday.
The game was a test of resilience for Saint Louis, ranked in the AP Top 25 for the first time in five years. Their roster depth was on full display as five players reached double figures in scoring, with Brady Dunlap adding 11 points, including crucial free throws in the final moments of the game that came after Duquesne threatened to equalize.
Duquesne’s Standout Performance
Duquesne, now standing at 10-9 overall and 2-4 in the conference, saw Jimmie Williams stand out with a career-high 28 points. However, his attempt at a game-tying three-pointer in the closing seconds was off the mark, allowing Brown to secure a rebound before sealing the victory with a free throw.
Challenges Faced
Saint Louis entered the evening as the nation’s leader in scoring margin, boasting an impressive average of 25.2 points per game. Nevertheless, they faced unexpected challenges throughout the match, particularly with 16 turnovers that kept Duquesne within striking distance.
Upcoming Schedule
The upcoming schedule has the Billikens wrapping up their two-game road trip against St. Bonaventure, while Duquesne will look to regain momentum as they prepare for a visit to Loyola of Chicago on Saturday.
