In a game that defined resilience, Robbie Avila hit a season-high 22 points, including a game-winning 3-pointer with 3 seconds left, to lift No. 21 Saint Louis to a 79-76 victory over George Washington. The win extends the Billikens’ winning streak to 14 games and cements their status as the team to beat in the Atlantic 10.
ST. LOUIS — Chaifetz Arena was on the brink of silence. With 17 seconds left and the score tied, No. 21 Saint Louis was on the ropes. George Washington, playing with the poise of a veteran team, had just clawed back from a 15-point deficit and looked poised to snap the Billikens’ 14-game winning streak. Then, in a moment that will be replayed for years, Robbie Avila took over.
Avila, who finished with a season-high 22 points, caught an inbounds pass, took a dribble, and launched a tiebreaking 3-pointer from the wing. The ball swished through the net with 3 seconds on the clock, giving the Billikens a 79-76 lead they would not relinquish. After stealing the ensuing inbounds pass, he heaved the ball toward the rafters, igniting a wild celebration that was a mix of relief and triumph for a team that had just passed its biggest test of the season.
This wasn’t just another win; it was a statement. The victory propels Saint Louis to a program-best 20-1 start and an 8-0 record in the Atlantic 10, marking the best 21-game start in school history. They are no longer just a ranked team; they are the undisputed leaders of a conference known for its parity and unpredictability.
The comeback itself was a masterclass in offensive adjustments and defensive grit. The Billikens, who had not trailed by more than nine all season, found themselves down 41-26 at the half. George Washington was dictating the tempo, with Rafael Castro controlling the glass with 18 rebounds and Tyrone Marshall and Christian Jones each chipping in 15 points. The Revolutionaries were playing with a confidence that comes from knowing you can beat any team on any given night—a confidence born from their 24-game road losing streak against Top 25 opponents, a streak they desperately wanted to end.
But in the second half, Saint Louis flipped the script. Fueled by a 15-0 run midway through the period, the Billikens erased the deficit and took their first lead since the opening basket. A huge part of that surge was Trey Green, who matched career highs with 23 points and a staggering six 3-pointers. His long-range shooting forced George Washington to stretch its defense, opening up driving lanes for Avila and the Billikens’ offense.
As the game entered its final, frantic minutes, it became a battle of wills. George Washington refused to go away, tying the game at 76-76 with under a minute to play. That’s when Saint Louis coach Travis Ford turned to his star. He called timeout with 17.3 seconds left, drawing up the perfect play for Avila. The result was a shot that will be remembered as one of the most clutch moments in Saint Louis basketball this decade.
For George Washington, the loss is a tough pill to swallow. They showed they can hang with the best in the conference but ultimately came up just short. They now face a critical stretch of their schedule, beginning with a home game against Fordham on Saturday.
For Saint Louis, the focus shifts quickly. They host Dayton on Friday night in a game that now takes on even more significance. With a perfect conference record and a national ranking, the pressure is on. But based on Tuesday night’s performance, this team is built for the moment. They have the star power in Avila, the sharpshooting of Green, and the resilience to overcome any adversity. The question for the rest of the A-10 is no longer if they can be beaten, but who has the formula to do it.
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