Despite the fact that the Saint Louis University women’s basketball team has lost its last four games, coach Jill Pizzotti sees positives in the situation.
“We’ve played extremely well,” said Pizzotti. “The last two weeks were some of the best basketball we’ve played this year.”
The Billikens dropped their final two home games this past weekend, losing to Texas Christian 75-66 last Sunday and to Houston in overtime 79-71.
The Horned Frogs jumped out to an early lead, but SLU countered with a 9-0 run and gained the lead midway through the first half. SLU’s offensive push can be attributed to its full-court press, forcing nine turnovers in the first half. Junior guard Christan Shelton scored eight points early and drove through TCU’s defense with ease.
TCU utilized a 9-1 run and built a seven-point lead. The Horned Frogs held the lead and were ahead 33-26 at the intermission.
Shelton was SLU’s leading scorer in the half with eight points. Sophomore forward Angie Lewis led SLU with four boards.
The Billikens shot 31 percent from the field but made 9-10 free throws. SLU also out-rebounded TCU 19-15. The Horned Frogs shot 44 percent from the field and hit all nine free throws.
The Horned Frogs raced out of the break and gained a 40-29 lead. SLU chipped away at the lead but couldn’t go on a substantial run. TCU hit their free throws down the stretch and held on for a 75-66 lead.
Shelton was SLU’s leading scorer, notching 19 points and five rebounds. Lewis chipped in with 14 points, three steals and seven boards, both highs for SLU. Junior guard Harmonie King chipped in with 10 points.
SLU shot 34 percent from the field for the game and hit 22 of its 27 free throws (81 percent). The Billikens defense also forced 22 TCU turnovers.
TCU shot 49 percent from the field and hit 29 of its 33 free throws. The Horned Frogs out-rebounded SLU 37-34. Forward Tiffany Evans led TCU with 21 points.
“Texas Christian showed why they’re the best team in the league. Our kids battled,” Pizzotti said. “But TCU hit 29 of their 33 free throws and did what they had to do in order to secure the win.”
The loss came on the heels of a heart-breaking 79-71 overtime loss to the Houston Cougars. Houston pressed SLU early but was ineffective as the Billikens broke through easily.
SLU trailed early, but went on a 22-7 run midway through the half and led 37-29 at the intermission.
Shelton led SLU with 11 points in the half and pulled down a team-leading four rebounds. Lewis added eight points, shooting 4-5 from the field.
SLU came out hot after the half and built a 48-36 point lead seven minutes into the half. The Cougars then took control of the game.
Houston went on a quick 8-0 run midway through the half and continued to chip away at the lead in the final minutes.
Houston eventually tied the game at 66 with 33 seconds left. Shelton hit a pair of free throws to give SLU a 68-66 lead. Guard Chandi Jones, Houston’s leading scorer with 37 points, drove the length of the court and tied the game with one second left.
The Cougars dominated the five-minute overtime period, outscoring SLU 11-3 and winning 79-71. Shelton led SLU with 23 points, which tied a career-high, and 10 rebounds. Lewis added 14 points.
“Chandi Jones showed why she might quite possibly be the Conference USA Player of the Year. Our kids made big plays down the stretch, but Jones kept coming at us,” Pizzotti said.
The Billikens will try to rebound in their final two games on the road against South Florida this Friday and UAB this Sunday.
“South Florida had shot 677 threes. They have good depth and play ten kids who have double-digit minutes. It’ll be a challenge to get after their shooters. UAB is dynamite on the inside. The key will be keeping their interior in check,” Pizzotti said.
