The Saint Louis University men’s basketball squad looked grand last week, using their entire arsenal of abilities to overpower Butler University on Jan. 31 and shellack Dayton University on Feb. 2. The triumph over ninth-ranked Butler provided a valuable marquee victory for the Billikens, and the win is especially sweet in light of speculation that the Bulldogs—a new addition to the Atlantic 10 conference—might eventually evolve into SLU’s Midwest archrivals.

The 29-point victory over the Flyers lofted the Billikens to second place in the A-10. Tied with Butler, only a single win separates them from Virginia Commonwealth University and the coveted status of conference king of the hill.

But the Billikens’ success means more for SLU than simply a couple of W’s in the team statistics. The Butler game was witnessed by the fourth sell-out crowd in Chaifetz Arena’s five-year history. On Thursday, the arena was a magic house, where school spirit was palpable. For many students, this was the first time that they’ve ever felt the excitement and enthusiasm that is expected at a university with a Division I basketball program.

Moreover, these victories brought together the university community after months of rifts over governance issues. Trustees, students, faculty and administrators alike were elated with both of the Billikens’ blowouts. In a sense, the games acted as an olive branch and a symbol of our shared pride in SLU. The past year has been a tough one for SLU in many ways, and the basketball program has been especially touched by the death of former coach Rick Majerus. These memorable wins stand as a continuation of his legacy of excellence and proof that the Billikens will keep improving under the leadership of interim coach Jim Crews.

Hopefully these wins won’t be the high point of the SLU’s hoops development, but will act as a gateway to greater achievement in the future. This will involve not just the team itself, but everyone at the university; let the same level of enthusiasm for our school’s teams continue through this season and beyond.

Butler might have the blues after their decisive defeat in Chaifetz, but the Billikens must keep in mind one of the cardinal rules of competition: Never underestimate your opponent. Expect the Bulldogs to be prepared when the Bills travel to Indianapolis later this month. And the VCU Rams may prove a challenge when they come to Chaifetz on the Feb. 19.

Still, these victories show that SLU is not a team to be trifled with. So here’s a chestnut of urban wisdom for our fellow basketball programs in the A-10 and beyond: beware the Billikens. Some may call these big wins unexpected, but now you know better. Come spring, expect us.