The Saint Louis University men’s basketball team gave their new offense a test run in an exhibition game on Nov.10 against The University of Missouri-St. Louis.
The Billikens captured an 8-2 lead early in the game before UMSL went on a 10-0 run, giving them the 12-8 advantage. The Billiken offense quickly responded with an 8-0 run and never looked back, leading by 11 at three different occasions in the first half. The half ended with a 30-19 Billiken lead.
The Billikens maintained the double-digit lead in the second half, stretching the lead to 20 points (53-31) after an 8-0 run that included a three-point-play by sophomore guard Miles Reynolds. The Billikens largest lead of the night was by 28 points and occurred near the end of regulation. The Billikens defeated UMSL, 71-44.
Senior guard Ash Yacoubou led the Billiken offense with 16 points. He shot 5-of-9 from the field, 2-of-5 from behind the arc, and 4-of-5 from the free throw line. Yacoubou also completed a rare five-point in the second half.
Sophomore guard Davell Roby and junior guard Mike Crawford had strong performances for the Billikens each scoring nine points. Reynolds, sophomore forward Milik Yarbrough and sophomore center Austin Gillmann recorded in seven points for the night.
Sophomore guard Marcus Bartley was 2-of-4 from behind the 3-point line, contributing six points. The offense handled the ball well and only committed 11 turnovers.
SLU was also a powerhouse at the rim, out-rebounding the Tritons 44-36. Yarbrough grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds.
Junior forward Reggie Agbeko came down with eight (game-high four offensive boards) and Crawford recorded seven.
The Billiken defense overwhelmed the UMSL offense forcing 19 turnovers – nine of which were steals. The Bills defense also held the Tritons to 33.3 percent shooting overall (4-of-19 from beyond the arc).
The Billikens home opener will be against Hartford on Nov. 15 with a 4 p.m. tipoff time.
On Nov. 11, Coach Cruz announced the signing of Zeke Moore. Moore is a 6-foot-6 inch guard who averaged 25.3 points per game his junior year.
