In a decisive win on Wednesday night, Saint Louis University (SLU) overcame VCU with a score of 71-62 in Richmond, Virginia. This victory marked the Billikens’ first triumph at the Siegel Center, ending a streak of 11 unsuccessful attempts. With this win, SLU improved its record to 14-1, maintaining a flawless 2-0 in the Atlantic 10 conference.
Key Players and Performances
Redshirt junior Kellen Thames delivered a standout performance, achieving a career-high 18 points and securing 10 rebounds for a double-double. He shot 70% from the field, making 7 of 10 attempts, and contributed three assists to the team effort.
- Dion Brown added 10 points, supporting the offense effectively.
- Robbie Avila and Paul Otieno combined for 8 points, all scored in the second half.
- Quentin Jones contributed with 9 points.
Team Contributions
Saint Louis showcased a strong team dynamic with all nine players logging at least 19 minutes on the court. The collective effort was evident, especially as the team effectively executed their game plan despite a challenging match against VCU.
Defensive Strength
SLU’s defensive prowess was highlighted by their ability to limit VCU to just 28.6% shooting throughout the game. In the first half alone, SLU held VCU to an even lower percentage of 28.9%, showcasing their strength in field-goal percentage defense.
Game Highlights
- SLU led by as many as 14 points midway through the second half.
- VCU rallied to take a brief lead at 62-61 with 2:30 left in the game.
- Amari McCottry hit a crucial three-pointer that reversed the momentum back to SLU, initiating a 10-0 scoring run to close out the game.
Next Matchup
The Billikens are scheduled to face La Salle on January 10, 2026, at 3:00 PM. The game will be broadcast on USA Network and can also be streamed through local radio stations, including 104.1 FM and 1120 AM KMOX.
This significant victory reflects SLU’s best start to a season since the 1993-94 year and sets a positive tone as they progress further into the Atlantic 10 conference.
