Saint Louis University opened its much-anticipated men’s basketball season with a 92-67 victory over Lehigh on Monday night at Chaifetz Arena.
After going a perfect 19-0 at Chaifetz last season, the Billikens extended their home winning streak to 23 games with a convincing victory over the Mountain Hawks, who reached the NCAA Tournament last season.
The Billikens broke open a close game in the final four minutes of the first half with a 15-1 run that turned a 33-30 lead into a 48-31 halftime advantage. Guard Trey Green closed out the half with a 3-pointer just before the buzzer.
The Billikens shot a sizzling 60% from the field and had six players score in double figures. Kellen Thames and Quentin Jones led the way with 15 points each. Thames, a former Pattonville High standout, also had six rebounds, two assists and three steals while making all six of his field-goal attempts.
Forward Alon Michaeli scored 11 points, while Green, Amari McCottry and Luke Laczkowski added 10 apiece. Forward Jax Kerr had eight points, eight rebounds and two blocked shots.
Saint Louis returns to action Friday against Missouri in a nonconference matchup at Enterprise Center. Tipoff is at 6 p.m.