The Saint Louis University women’s basketball team’s game against Memphis exemplified their season: They had more to deal with than just their opponent.
Hampered by youth and injuries, the Billikens fell to the Memphis Tigers 66-52 last Friday in the Conference USA Tournament in Milwaukee.
“We just didn’t have enough fire power to get over the hump,” said sophomore guard Star Jackson. “You can only ask so much of injured players. We had such a young squad.”
Freshman Kirsti Holloway and sophomores Great Bujaker and Harmonie King battled injuries against Memphis.
SLU shot the ball well in the opening minutes, opening a 15-12 lead nine minutes into the contest. Sophomore guard Christan Shelton scored nine of the first 15 points
The Tigers responded decisively in the next four minutes. Memphis went on a 17-5 run to lead 27-20.
The Billikens scored just one field goal in the final seven minutes of the half when sophomore Star Jackson hit a shot just before the buzzer. SLU trailed at the half, 33-25.
The Tigers made another run just after the half and led 51-38 with 10 minutes left.
The Billikens made a pair of runs to cut the lead to single-digits. SLU cut Memphis’ lead 58-50 with three minutes left, but were unable to overtake the Tigers.
Christan Shelton led SLU with a career-high 23 points. She also pulled in four rebounds. Jackson also finished in double-digits in scoring with 10 points.
“The ladies played pretty hard,” said coach Jill Pizzotti. “An area of concern was containing their post players. We also wanted to match their physical play. We answered the bell physically, but we had a hard time putting the ball in the hole.
The Billikens experienced a number of problems this year. The Billikens had three seniors and 11 underclassman.
SLU lost sophomores Jana Tillman and Harmonie King to knee ligament tears before the season even began. Sophomore Melissa Oliver also tore her ACL midway through the year.
SLU was realistic, yet hopeful as the season began.
“We had concern about our point position because Harmonie went down,” Pizzotti said. “I was really pleased with Star Jackson, especially early this year. I was pleased with her maturation at the position.”
“We wanted to finish above .500. We wanted to go out and have fun,” said senior Bridget Beckmann. “I just wanted to do my part.”
Despite these challenges, the Billikens opened the year 9-2 in their nonconference contests. They defeated perennial tournament teams Drake (59-54) and Hampton (72-70). But the most important game during that stretch was a 73-63 loss at the University of Missouri.
“We opened up and were down by 14. But we woke up and realized that we can contend and compete,” Jackson said. “It’s a Big 12 team with an All-American candidate.”
The Billikens entered C-USA games on a high note, and continued their success, opening conference play 2-1, defeating Charlotte and Southern Mississippi and barely losing to Tulane University. The Green Wave won the conference tournament and was picked to win the National Division. The Billikens lost as Tulane hit a pair of free throws with six seconds left
With the thirteenth best defense in the country, the Billikens were eyeing the postseason as they improved to 14-7 after a 3-1 homestand. Their final six games would determine the outcome of the season.
Four of these games were against teams that finished ahead of SLU in the standings-Louisville, Cincinnati, DePaul and Marquette.
“Down the stretch, our youth showed,” Pizzotti said. “It became tougher and tougher as the season went on. We out ourselves in a position where we had to play nearly flawless for 40 minutes.”
The Billikens had three seniors and 11 underclassmen.
SLU lost their final six contests and were the 11 seed in the C-USA Tournament.
Even though the Billikens finished 14-14, they never folded under the pressure and the numerous opponents on and off the court.
“The ladies were persistent all year,” Pizzotti said. “I was impressed with the dedication to the team this year.”
With the majority of the team returning next year, the Billikens are optimistic that this year’s challenges and frustration will lead to success next season.
“We graduate 15 points and about 10 rebounds,” Pizzotti said. “With nearly everyone returning, the future looks good. Our freshman had good minutes this year. If we add a few other to the mix, we’ll be a better team.”
