The Saint Louis University Billikens have cracked the nation’s Top 25 college basketball rankings for the first time this season.
SLU is currently ranked No. 24 in the latest Associated Press national rankings. The Billikens were 15-2 heading into Wednesday night’s Atlantic 10 Conference game against St. Bonaventure.
Once again, the Billikens’ formula for success has been a stingy defense that is among the best in the nation. SLU leads the Atlantic 10 in scoring defense, field goal percentage defense and 3-point shooting defense. They guard folks relentlessly with passion and togetherness to the point where is just wears on opponents.
The senior-laden Billikens are led by 6’5” senior Dwayne Evans, who is averaging 15.1 points and 6.2 rebounds a game. Fellow senior Jordair Jett has emerged as one of the top all-around players in the Atlantic 10. Jett was the A-10 Player of the Week after leading the Bills to two road wins last week, including a 31-point masterpiece in SLU’s 59-58 victory over Rhode Island. Center Rob Loe and guards Mike McCall Jr. and Jake Barnett round out SLU’s all-senior starting lineup.
Sophomore guard Austin McBroom has provided some instant offense off the bench while juniors Grandy Glaze and John Manning have provided defense and rebounding in the post.
It has been fun to watch this team create its own identity and develop into another A-10 championship contender. It has not always been pretty at times, but these kids have learned how to grind out games and play with composure in tough times. SLU’s nation-leading 6-0 record in road games can attest to that.
The Billikens are blue-collar basketball at its finest. That is what has made this three-year run so special to watch. In 2012 and 2013, SLU has won 54 games, won the A-10 championship, the A-10 Tournament and have been to two NCAA Tournaments, with a victory in each of those tournaments.
The Atlantic 10 race will be ultra-competitive this season with the likes of VCU, UMass, George Washington and Dayton all in contention. But, if the Billikens continue play great defense, play together and make some shots, they can achieve their goal of an unprecedented third consecutive NCAA Tournament berth.
