Saint Louis University clinched a share of the Atlantic 10 Conference championship on Wednesday night with a 79-65 victory over Loyola Chicago before a sellout crowd at Chaifetz Arena.
The No. 25 Billikens improved their record to 27-3 and 15-2 in Atlantic 10 play. The 15 conference victories is a new school record. The Billikens also completed a perfect 19-0 record at Chaifetz Arena this season. It was the first time SLU has ever gone undefeated at the Chaifetz Arena since it opened. The homecourt winning streak is currently at 22 games going back to the end of last season.
The Billikens also clinched the No. 1 seed in the upcoming Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament next week in Pittsburgh. They hold a one-game lead over second place VCU in the league standings, but SLU has the tie-breaker by virtue of their two victories over the Rams.
Sophomore guard Amari McCottry led the Billikens with 18 points. The 6’6” McCottry was six of nine from the field and two of three from 3-point range.
Senior guard Dion Brown scored 15 points as he was a perfect six of six from the field. Senior center Robbie Avila had 12 points, six rebounds and four assists. Guard Kellen Thames also added nine points.
The Billikens conclude the regular season this weekend when they face George Mason on Saturday afternoon in Fairfax (VA). Tip-off is at 3 p.m. (CT). The game will be televised on the USA Network and broadcast on KMOX-AM 1120.