(St. Louis, MO) – Great expectations lead to unrealistic notions. Saint Louis University is an Atlantic Ten favorite and they did win their season opener and they will get better. The Billikens defeated Southeast Missouri 75-65 and they don’t feel that good about it.
SLU led by 22 points with 14 minutes left. The crowd was rocking and taunting the visitors until SEMO quit turning over the ball and got some stops on the defensive end. As the Redhawks chipped away at the lead and carved it to just five points, doubt crept in and free throws clanked off the rim.
But they did win.
Javon Bess and Tramaine Isabell led the Bills with each scoring 18 points. Missing threes and frees cost the young SLU squad an easy ‘feel good’ victory. Head coach Travis Ford wasn’t surprised. While he watches practice, he has been expecting that kind of uneven victory. Ford said his team can be great, but they are currently just average.
The hype surrounding this year’s Billiken team is deserved, but they will take several weeks before they arrive at their potential. Ford is convinced they will get better. However, with seven newcomers they are walking through the obligatory period of adjustment.
The Freshmen
There is so much expected from freshmen Cart’Are Gordon and Fred Thatch, that they can’t possibly live up to expectations, but they will get better. Gordon and Thatch combined for four points. Ford says those two freshmen need to get more playing time, but will be very good.
The third-year coach goes on to say his young team needs great fan support to help them over the hump.
Jordan Goodwin, DJ Foreman and Hasahn French were significant contributors, but the Billiken offense was a little stagnant. Ford said they didn’t move the ball well and relied on one-on-one moves instead of offensive schemes.
Troy visits Chaifetz Arena on Saturday. SLU will get better.
Do Good
Editor: For more on the Billikens go to my MidMajorMadness.com story “Saint Louis Turns High Expectations into Average Opening Win“.
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