Saint Louis University entered the school record books with a thrilling 79-76 victory over George Washington in an Atlantic 10 Conference game on Tuesday night at Chaifetz Arena.
Senior center Robbie Avila hit a 3-pointer with three seconds left to break a 76-76 tie to give the Billikens the victory and a 20-1 record, which is the best start of the season in school history. It was also the Billikens’ 14 consecutive victory, which is tied for fourth for the nation’s top active winning streak.
Junior Kellen Thames drove into the lane and drew a crowd and found a wide open Avila at the top of the key for his fourth 3-pointer of the game. Avila then stole the ensuing pass downcourt from George Washington to preserve the victory. SLU improved its record in A-10 play to 8-0, which is good for first place.
The Billikens trailed by as many as 15 points in the first half before cutting the lead to 43-33 at halftime. SLU turned things around in the second half as they outscored George Washington 46-33 in the second half.
Avila finished with 22 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals. Sophomore guard Trey Green scored a career-high-tying 23 points, including a six of 10 performance from beyond the 3-point line.Thames was the third Billikens’ player in double figures with 15 points on seven of nine shooting from the field.
The Billikens return to action on Friday night when they host Dayton in another A-10 contest at 7 p.m. The game will be telecast on CBS Sports Network with the radio broadcast on KMOX-AM 1120.