Saint Louis entered Friday's renewed rivalry with Missouri facing an unexpected challenge. Robbie Avila, one of the most recognizable players in mid-major college basketball, was unavailable because of an eligibility decision that complicated the Billikens' preparations. Against an SEC opponent with considerable talent, his absence could have become the defining storyline of the evening.
Instead, Saint Louis made sure the final score became the story. The Billikens defeated Missouri 90–84 at Enterprise Center, improving to 2–0 and delivering one of the most significant victories of college basketball's opening week. Five players scored in double figures, demonstrating that Josh Schertz has assembled a team capable of generating offense from several different positions.
The result deserves attention beyond the Missouri rivalry. Saint Louis entered the season with expectations of competing for the Atlantic 10 championship and potentially earning an NCAA Tournament opportunity. Friday's victory provided an early indication that those ambitions might be realistic even when circumstances become difficult.
Say it with us, Columbia: S-L-U!
— Saint Louis Men's Basketball (@SaintLouisMBB) November 7, 2026
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The Avila situation created an unexpected challenge
Avila's availability became a major issue before tipoff after the College Sports Commission ruled him ineligible, despite a court ruling the previous day that had appeared to open a path for him to play a fifth season. The complicated situation left Saint Louis without a player whose passing, scoring and offensive awareness have been central to Schertz's system.
The Billikens could have struggled to adjust, particularly against a Missouri team coming off a dominant season-opening victory over Cleveland State. Instead, Saint Louis demonstrated impressive offensive balance, moving the ball effectively and generating enough perimeter scoring to overcome Avila's absence. The result suggested that Schertz's offense can remain productive even when one of its most important pieces isn't available.
Five double-figure scorers overwhelmed Missouri's defense
Amari McCottry and Ishan Sharma led Saint Louis with 17 points apiece, while Trey Green contributed 16. Quentin Jones added 14 points, and Alon Michaeli delivered 13 points, nine rebounds and six assists. The balanced production prevented Missouri from concentrating its defensive attention on one scorer and helped the Billikens maintain control during important stretches.
Saint Louis also made 14 three-pointers while shooting approximately 56% from beyond the arc. That efficiency created significant problems for Missouri, which struggled to contain the Billikens' perimeter attack. Saint Louis led 49–38 at halftime and maintained a 64–50 advantage midway through the second half before the Tigers mounted a comeback.
Missouri received an impressive performance from Bryson Tiller, who finished with 26 points and nine rebounds. Mark Mitchell Jr. added 21 points, while Jamier Jones contributed 13 points and 10 rebounds. Those performances helped the Tigers remain competitive, but Saint Louis answered with important late possessions, including contributions from Michaeli.
The Atlantic 10 has another reason to believe
Saint Louis' victory carries additional significance because of the quality of the opponent and the circumstances surrounding the game. Missouri entered the season with NCAA Tournament ambitions of its own, and the Tigers possessed enough offensive talent to challenge the Billikens throughout the evening. Winning without Avila made the result particularly encouraging for Schertz.
The Billikens will need to demonstrate greater consistency as the season progresses, and the unresolved eligibility situation remains an important concern. However, Friday provided evidence that Saint Louis has the scoring depth and offensive versatility necessary to compete against strong opponents. Those qualities could become especially important during Atlantic 10 play.
For now, Saint Louis owns an impressive early-season victory over an SEC opponent. The Billikens didn't need their most recognizable player to deliver it, and that might be the most encouraging development of all.
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