Watching Little Billi(kens) Grow

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replying the story in its archived form does not constitute a re-publiccation of the story.

I have three kids.  There are times when theyhit a growth spurt that it seems as if they sprout up overnight.  But I have never seen a growth spurt to match what the Billikens have done recently.

St. Louis U. has won four in a row in a variety of ways at home and away.  But to witness what they did Saturday at Chaifetz Arena was to at group that is coming of age at a pace that no one could have forecasted.  By beating pre-season league favorite Dayton, 68-65, SLU showed a level of maturity and intensity that could not have been imagined even a month ago as the two best defensive teams in the league slugged it out in front of nearly 95-hundred at the Jewel of Midtown.

As are most college baskteball games, this one was a game of runs.  but the spurts always seemd to have the Billikens looking to play catch up.  First Dayton opened with a 6-0 spurt, followed by SLU's 16-12 grind that pulled Majerus' bunch to within two.  The flyers went back to work on an 11-0 run and led 33-19 at halftime.

I must tell you that during the break, as Sponnball was being honored at mid-court, conversation among the media and fans centered on the Billikens not quite being ready for prime time.  "Dayton is too athletic and has too many veterans."

As the second stanza unfolded the Bills fell behind by 15 before mustering some offense.  Triggered by some blasts to the rim by Kwamain Mitchell SLU caught fire and rolled DU to a four point defecit by virtue of a 17-4 run. 

It was their first lead of the afternoon and it was short lived. Ignited by Chris Wright, Dayton scored 12 straight points and it look as if a game SLU bunch would fall short against a superior foe trailing 54-46.

But, with two minutes left, Kyle Cassity took over.  Draining a three pointer and a driving layup Kyle brought SLU back to within three.  And with time running out SLu couldn't get anyone open.  Finally, Mitchell heaved a desperation 25-footer that banked in and the game headed to overtime.

The first overtime played out even and then tied in double overtime, 63-all, the outback boys made a play...a game winning play.  Saleciche drew the overplay into the left corner and then he slipped a pass through traffic to the top of the key where Cody Ellis was set to shoot.  Wide open Cody calmly drained the trey for the ultimate game winner. 

What does it all mean?  It means that SLU was picked at the bottome of the A-10.  Then at 3-3 in league play you hoped you could get a home game in the first round of the post season tournament.  Then you thought that maybe you could get into the top eight and host a first round game.  Now, the Billikens are virtually assured of that and remain in the hunt for a first round bye...only a game out of first place, on the loss side, with six remaining.

Just like with your kids, don't blink or they'll be full grown before you know it.