St. Louis Sports Online


Men's Basketball
Saint Joseph's University at St. Louis University 18 February 2009
Saint Louis University Billikens (16-10, 7-5) and Saint Joseph's University Hawks (14-11, 7-4) played an evenly matched game at the Chaifetz Arena (reported decreasing attendance = 7,042) with SLU escaping with a 73-71 victory. With four games remaining in the regular season, 20 wins would be the first under second year coach Rick Majerus; former coach Brad Soderberg accomplished 20 wins (including the tournament playoffs) in his final season. The Billikens were led by a balanced offense from freshman guard Kwamain Mitchell (17 pts), senior guard Kevin Lisch (15 pts, 6 rebounds), senior forward Barry Eberhardt (14 pts, 5 rebounds), and freshman center Willie Reed (11 pts, 5 rebounds). The Hawks were led by senior forward Ahmad Nivins (22 pts, 11 rebounds), junior guards Darrin Govens (10 pts) and Garrett Williamson (10 pts), freshman guard Chris Prescott (9 pts), and sophomore forward Idris Hilliard (8 pts). Saint Louis shot 49% from the field (35% from 3-pt range) and 85% (17-20) from the charity line. SJU shot 57% from the field (44% from 3-pt range) and 85% (11-13) from the charity line. The Billikens had 24 rebounds (8O, 16D), 17 assists, 4 steals, 1 blocked shot, and 9 turnovers as compared with 26 rebounds (6O, 20D), 10 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocked shots, and 13 turnovers by the Hawks.

SLU freshman guard Kwamain Mitchell (3) led the team with 17 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, and 2 turnovers, here driving down the lane for one of his baskets. Billikens senior guard Kevin Lisch (21) played a good inside and outside game scoring 15 points, collecting 6 rebounds and 1 assist, and committing 2 turnovers. Coach Majerus watches one of his seniors perform or is he concerned with the declining attendance as the team collects victories? Billikens senior forward Barry Eberhardt (15) scores a easy dunk. Eberhardt came off the bench to score 14 points and collect 5 rebounds and 3 assists. SLU freshman center Willie Reed (33) also scores an easy dunk on his way to 11 points and 5 rebounds.

SJU senior forward Ahmad Nivins (34) led all scorers with 22 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 turnovers. Hawks junior guard Garrett Williamson (15) scored 10 points and committed 3 turnovers. Hawks junior guard Darrin Govens (13) drives past BIllikens senior guard Kevin Lisch (21). Govens finished the game with 10 points and 2 assists. SLU senior guard Tommie Liddell, III (25) drives the lane and finished with 4 points along with 7 rebounds and 4 assists.


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