Last night the Saint Louis University men’s basketball team fell in love.
Senior Matt Baniak led the Billikens (13-10, 5-5) to a Valentine’s Day victory over the South Florida Bulls (15-9, 7-4), 82-71. Baniak scored 12 in a 14-point run that turned the game in the Billikens favor.
“I was so excited for Matt Baniak,” coach Lorenzo Romar said. “The two years I’ve been here he’s never complained or pointed the finger. I was happy for him.”
The Bills opened the game strong, as their quick ball movement led to open shots, something that was needed to keep pace with USF’s high-scoring offense. “In the first half we got good shots,” Romar said.
Junior B.B. Waldon, fresh off an indefinite suspension, and Altron Jackson are the dynamic duo of C-USA. Jackson leads the conference in scoring with 20.3 points a game and Waldon puts up 17.3 points a night.
The Bills defense contained both Waldon and Jackson in the first half as they went into the locker room with a 44-36 lead.
South Florida came out in the second half and turned up the pressure. They forced three SLU turnovers in a single minute span and cut the lead to four just seven minutes into the half.
The Billikens continued to struggle as they lost the lead with nine minutes remaining, 58-57. The Bulls built a three-point lead, but SLU battled back. Sophomore Josh Fisher hit a three to put the Billikens on top, 61-60. South Florida reclaimed the lead for a minute and a half and then it was time for Baniak to shine.
Baniak intercepted a pass at half-court and raced toward the basket. Before he could shoot he was intentionally fouled by USF sophomore guard Reggie Kohn. Baniak hit his two free throws and then a jump shot on the ensuing possession to put the Billikens up 65-62.
South Florida turned the ball over on the next possession and Baniak took advantage. Wide open from the top of the key, Baniak hit a trey. On the next possession, senior Maurice Jeffers threw down a thunderous dunk that brought the Billiken faithful to their feet, pushing the lead to eight, 70-62.
SLU’s defense fed off the offense as they forced another Bulls turnover and Baniak went to the line and hit two more free throws.
After a missed jumper by South Florida, Baniak hit his final basket of the night, a long range three from the top of the key.
In three minutes the Bills went on a 14-0 run and Baniak had dropped in 12 of his 20 points. As Baniak walked off the court after picking up his fifth foul the crowd of 10,707 rose to their feet and applauded.
Baniak’s sudden touch from behind the arc was a surprise to everyone, except Baniak and Romar. “Coach has been working with me on them [three point shots] quite a bit,” Baniak said.
“He has a nice touch from outside for a big guy,” Romar said.
“Give Matt Baniak credit, the guy made big shots,” said South Florida coach Seth Greenberg.
The Billikens were in desperate need of a victory after losing two in a row at home and three of their last four.
“It was like a must-win situation,” said Jeffers. “We had a great effort tonight. Hopefully we can get on a roll into the conference tournament,” Jeffers said.
“Last year we lost a lot of close games,” said sophomore point guard Marque Perry. “We have to come through and win close games.”
“We take pride in not losing at home,” Baniak said. “Losing two games here really hurt.”
For a stretch it appeared the Bills were in trouble of collapsing and losing another close game. “It was a lack of concentration on my part,” Perry said. “Everyone goes on a run and that was their [South Florida’s] run.”
The Billikens hope to continue their winning ways on Saturday night at home against the University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles.
“Every win is monumental. There’s no room for error,” Romar said.
