The Saint Louis University women’s basketball team defeated the
University of Missouri-St. Louis in its final exhibition game
85-57, with Angie Lewis leading the Bills in scoring with 20
points.
“We rebounded well and that is essential to winning games,” said
Lewis. “Nine times out of 10, the team who leads in rebounding will
win the game.”
In the first half, the Billikens were not able to completely
take control until six minutes left in the first half going on a
21-2 run before intermission. Shea Kenny made a three-pointer at
the 5:43 mark to start the run. Lewis then scored six straight
points while Stephanie Solomon added two baskets, and Kirsti
Holloway chipped in a three-pointer to cap off a 16-0 Billiken
run.
“We have a good combination of inside and outside shooters and
we can post up real well in the inside, but our outside shooters
can shoot too,” Lewis said.
The Riverwomen got a basket from Trista Kolder, but the
Billikens tallied the last five points of the half for a 44-20
lead. The Billikens shot 65.5 percent in the half while holding
UM-St. Louis to just 28.1 percent from the field. In the second
half, the Riverwomen came out of the locker room looking to cut the
lead and were able to get within 20, but the Billikens came back
with a 15-5 run to give them a 30 point lead. SLU, at one point,
had a 34 point advantage.
Lewis hit nine shots and seized five of her eight boards on the
offensive end. Freshman Yanique Javois sank seven of nine from the
field and was second on the team with 14 points. Kirsti Holloway
added 13, while Solomon added 12 points. Kenny directed the offense
with six assists and also had four steals.
“For defense, we need to work on not fouling as much. They were
in the doubly bonus with nine minutes left,” Lewis said. “We need
to keep our hands to ourselves more.”
For the Riverwomen, Trista Kolder had a team-high 18 points.
Kali Birkey added 11 points and led the squad with six rebounds.
The Billikens shot 52.5 percent from the field and enjoyed a 46-30
rebounding advantage. SLU handed out 23 assists and forced UM-St.
Louis into 21 turnovers.
The Bills host their regular season opener tomorrow evening at
5:30 at the Bauman-Eberhardt center against Bradley. The second
game of the season will be played on Monday at Miami of Ohio at 5
p.m.
“We know that this Friday the intensity level has to be stepped
up,” said Lewis. “We have really been working on it in the last
five practices and are ready to play this Friday. The freshmen are
also ready and have been working hard. There will probably be some
pre-game jitters, but when the ball goes up, those hopefully will
go away.”
Bradley was 13-15 last season, 9-9 in the Missouri Valley
Conference. Ashley Chelleen is the top returning scorer for BU at
9.6 ppg, and Genny Mueller added 9.1 ppg last year.
Miami was 17-12 last season, 11-5 in the Mid-American Conference
and claimed the MAC East Division championship. The Billikens won
the first meeting between the schools 58-55 in St. Louis last
year.
Season Opener
Who: Bradley Braves
When: Tomorrow, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Bauman-Eberhardt Center
