Billikens Run By Division II University of Missouri-St. Louis

On Tuesday, November 10th, the Saint Louis University Billikens were in action against NCAA Division II University of Missouri-St. Louis. The Billikens defeated their opponent in the exhibition game in convincing fashion 71-44.

The beginning of the game was slightly troubling for the Billikens. In the opening stages, they were down 12-8 before going on a 22-7 run to close out the first half. After that 22-7 run to close the first half, it was all smooth sailing from there on. The Billikens were overpowering as they outscored Missouri-St. Louis 41-25 in the second half. A 71-44 win on paper looks good, but there are signs that could spell trouble for the Billikens going forward.

In addition to having to come back from a early first half deficit, lone Senior guard Ash Yacoubou, a former Villanova University standout, was the only Billiken player to score in double figures with 16 points. As well, the Billikens field goal percentage in the first half was just a mere 35.5%.

I understand this was an exhibition game and that it is the first game in a very long basketball season, but after watching the highlights I don't see a confident Saint Louis team. Furthermore, after reading multiple Billiken forum and message boards, the fans feel the same way I do.

On deck for the Billikens is a match-up against the University Hartford. Following Hartford, a home game against SIU Edwardsville awaits. Both of these games are extremely winnable and I would be very surprised if the Billikens dropped one of these home games.

After SIU Edwardsville, trouble looms for the Billikens as they face strong teams in University of St. Francis Brooklyn (2014-15 NEC regular season champions), University of North Florida Ospreys (2014-15 A-Sun regular season champions, NCAA #16 seed), University of Louisville (2014-15 NCAA Elite Eight appearance), Morehead State University, and Wichita State University (2014-15 NCAA Sweet Sixteen appearance).

Hopefully Yacoubou and the Billikens prove my prediction wrong, but I believe they will begin the season a mediocre 3-4. Expect for the Billikens to finish as one of the bottom four or five teams in the A-10 Conference this year.

Billikens Schedule
Saint Louis vs. Missouri-St. Louis Box Score