Saint Louis University opened up its much anticipated college basketball season with a 92-67 victory over SEMO on Monday night at the Chaifetz Arena.
The Billikens took control of the game midway through the first half against a game SEMO team, which won the Ohio Valley Conference regular season championship last season.
The Billikens put five players in double figures, led by 6’10” senior forward Robbie Avila’s 18 points. Avila also added a team-high 11 rebounds. Sophomore guard Amari McCottry added 16 points on seven of eight shooting from the field.
Former Pattonville High standout Kellen Thames added 12 points for the Billikens. The 6’6” Thames also had four rebounds, three assists and a team-high three steals. Guard Quentin Jones added 10 points and seven rebounds in his first game in a Billikens uniform. Also making his Billikens’ debut was guard Dion Brown, who scored 11 points and also grabbed 11 rebounds to tie Avila for top honors.
SEMO was led in scoring by former Chaminade College Prep standout BJ Ward, who scored 16 points. Forward Brendan Terry scored 14 points while former Cardinal Ritter College Prep standout Braxton Stacker added 12 points.
The Billikens will return to action on Thursday when they host Chicago State. Tip off is at 7 p.m.