Game Preview Preview: Saint Louis (3-2) at University of Portland (5-2) |
GAME NOTES: For the first-time ever the University of Portland and Saint Louis will collide on the hardwood, when the Pilots host the Billikens this evening in a non-conference tussle at the Chiles Center.
The Billikens will hit the road for the first time this season, after winning three of their first five games on the season, all of which came at home. Saint Louis has won two straight games, having beat Tennessee State (78-50) and most recently IUPUI (58-55). Saint Louis will remain on the road for its next matchup, but it won't be easy, as the Billikens will have to take on the top-ranked Duke Blue Devils.
As for the Pilots, they are coming off their fifth victory of the season, defeating UC Santa Barbara, 75-53. Four of the team's five victories have occurred at home, and all have come by double-digits. Things get tougher for the Pilots after tonight, as the team will begin a four-game road swing starting December 3rd against Montana.
The Billikens were not at their best offensively against IUPUI, but that did not matter because the team put forth a solid defensive showing. St. Louis held IUPUI to just 35.3 percent shooting, and did not allow the opponent to connect on any of its eight three-point attempts. At the other end of the floor the Billikens shot 43.2 percent from the floor, and while that is not bad, the team's efforts from behind the arc (5-of-15) and the foul line (15- of-22) were less than impressive. Paul Eckerle was the only player in double- figures for Saint Louis, as the guard scored 12 points off the bench. Kyle Cassity, who is currently leading the team in scoring (12.6 ppg), connected on each of his three shots, two of which were from beyond the arc, as the guard finished with eight points.
The Pilots were impressive in their fifth win on the season, as they shot 42.9 percent from the field, en route to the win over UC Santa Barbara. Portland connected on 12-of-24 from behind the arc, and also finished with a 21-of-27 showing from the charity stripe. Jared Stohl has been spectacular throughout the season, netting 17.4 ppg, and his success continued in the team's win over UCSB, as the guard exploded for 26 points. Luke Sikma was also very effective in the team's win over UC Santa Barbara, as the forward tallied a double- double of 12 points and 13 rebounds, to go along with seven assists. Sikma has been the best option in the paint for Portland, as the big man is averaging 10.0 ppg and a team-best 12.6 rpg. Nemanja Mitrovic (10.6 ppg) and Eric Waterford both contributed 11 points apiece in the victory over the Gauchos.
The Billikens always play well defensively, but if they intend on defeating Portland on its home floor, then Saint Louis will need to figure out a way to score more, because the Pilots will inevitably find ways to produce offensively.
GAME NOTES: For the first-time ever the University of Portland and Saint Louis will collide on the hardwood, when the Pilots host the Billikens this evening in a non-conference tussle at the Chiles Center.
FACTS & STATS: Site: Chiles Center (4,852) -- Portland, Oregon. Television: None. Home Record: St. Louis 3-2, Portland 4-1. Away Record: St. Louis 0-0, Portland 1-0. Neutral Record: St. Louis 0-0, Portland 0-1. Conference Record: St. Louis 0-0, Portland 0-0. Series Record: First-ever meeting.
Tuesday, November 30th, 10:00 p.m. (et)
Portland 68, Saint Louis 60