After the Saint Louis University women’s basketball team beat the Flyers in Dayton last season 83-69, Dayton came to town last Saturday with revenge on their minds. But the Billikens would have no part of it.
SLU used a swarming defense in the second half to come from behind and defeat the Flyers 56-53.
SLU knew that Dayton posed a great challenge.
“We knew Dayton would come in and want to beat us, especially after we beat them last year,” said Shelton.
The Billikens started slowly against the Flyers.
“We were a little stale in the first half,” said head coach Jill Pizzotti. “We had some trouble in the post early.”
The Billikens led early in the first half, 12-8 behind Shelton’s eight points and April McKinney’s four. SLU built its lead by breaking the Flyers’ full-court press with ease.
The Flyers came back and took a 30-21 lead at the half. The Billikens made runs throughout the half and cut the lead as few as three in the half.
The Billikens shot 34 percent from the field in the first half and held Dayton to 37 percent from the field.
Shelton led SLU with 8 points. Melissa Oliver and McKinney chipped in four apiece in the first half.
Dayton came out after the intermission and built their lead to 10 points two minutes into the second half.
SLU was sparked by its tough full-court press in the second half.
“Our press picked us up,” Pizzotti said. “Our defense really picked up our offense.”
SLU trailed 37-33 after a steal and layup by Oliver with 13 minutes left in the game. Both teams traded baskets throughout the the next 10 minutes, but Dayton continuing to hold on to a slim lead.
But SLU was persistent and succeeded in taking the lead when it counted to most-at the end of the game.
The Billikens trailed 51-50 with 1:20 left. Oliver hit two free throws two take its first lead since 9:30 in the first half. Dayton hit a pair of free throws to regain the lead with 37 seconds left.
Shelton came off a screen at the top of the key. Shelton hit a bank shot from 17 feet out to give SLU a 54-53 lead.
Beckmann drew a charge on Dayton’s ensuing possession. Kirsti Holloway was fouled and hit two from the charity stripe with 13 seconds left to ice the win for SLU.
Shelton led the Billikens with 18 points and five boards. Oliver added 14 and Star Jackson chipped in with 11. Mckinney pulled down seven rebounds to lead SLU.
“This win was real important,” said Oliver.
“We knew if we could stop them on defense that our offense would come. We have a lot to prove. We didn’t execute as well as we could have, but our defense was always there.”
“It was a good win for us and a big win for the team,” Pizzotti said. “I was proud of the way we battled. Star (Jackson) did a tremendous job. She’s in a position where she can run the club and has done that well. When your team battles back, it’s great to see. That gives them confidence for the next game.”
The Billikens play the University of Missouri tonight at 7p.m. at the Hearnes Center. The Tigers are currently 5-1 after winning the Unilever Classic. Senior forward Amanda Lassiter is the leader for the Tigers, averaging 19 points a game.
SLU is looking to avenge a 78-65 loss last year in Saint Louis. Missouri has won all 11 meetings between to two teams.
“This game will be a big challenge for us. They’re averaging 81 points a game,” Pizzotti said. “That will present a real challenge for us defensively. They have a talented and deep squad. Amanda Lassiter could end up being an All-American at the end of the year. They like to press for 40 minutes and make things happen. They score a lot off their press.”
“We’re really excited about this game,” Shelton said.
“They’re a state school and there is a rivalry, especially with them beating us last year.”
