NCAA Basketball: North Carolina, Gonzaga still sit atop updated top 25 ranking
By Joey Loose
25. Saint Louis (2-0)
Many voters may have left the Billikens off their preseason rankings, but Saint Louis is a squad with a load of potential this season. The program has certainly been trending in the right direction in recent years, but a few unfortunate moments and injuries have prevented the team from really taking off. This includes the returns of injured guard Javonte Perkins, talented scorer Gibson Jemerson, and Yuri Collins, who briefly flirted with a transfer.
Night one ended successfully, with the Billikens getting a 91-68 win over Murray State. Perkins had 21 points, Jimerson had 20 points, and Collins dished out 14 assists in the victory. Javon Pickett also had a double-double with a 13-point, 13-rebound effort. Game two started less successfully, but Saint Louis fought back from a halftime deficit to defeat Evansville 83-65. All five starters scored double-digits, including three double-doubles, led by Collins’ 12-point, 13-assist performance.
The pieces have been in place and look good to start the season, with the offense in particular shining in the early going. However, the Billikens won’t be playing MVC schools year all season long and can’t afford the kind of slow start they afford the Purple Aces on Saturday evening. If the defense can play at the next level, then this could be a potential A-10 champion, though Dayton will certainly give them plenty of competition. Tougher games against Memphis and Maryland loom ahead.