Robbie Avila’s 23-point second‑half burst powers No. 23 Saint Louis past Duquesne 91‑76, securing a 26‑3 record and a 21st straight home win.
The Billikens improved to 26‑3 overall and 14‑2 in the Atlantic 10, marking their 21st consecutive home victory. Avila contributed 21 of his 23 points after halftime, sparking a 15‑2 closing run.
Duquesne (16‑13, 8‑8) entered the game on a five‑game winning streak but saw that momentum evaporate. The Billikens shot 27‑of‑50 from the field and 16‑of‑28 from three‑point range, a performance highlighted by official standings that placed them within the Top 25.
Early in the second half, Saint Louis opened with a 16‑4 spurt after trailing 41‑39 at the break. When Duquesne narrowed the gap to 76‑74 with 5:52 left, guard Trey Green answered with eight straight points, re‑establishing control.
Key Takeaways
- Avila’s second‑half scoring burst turned a close contest into a blowout.
- Saint Louis’ defense forced Duquesne into a late‑game slump, ending their three‑game win streak.
- The Billikens’ home‑court dominance continues, a factor that could influence NCAA tournament seeding.
Looking ahead, Duquesne travels to Rhode Island on Wednesday, while Saint Louis hosts Loyola of Chicago. Both teams will aim to reinforce their season narratives as the Atlantic 10 race tightens.
This victory not only bolsters Saint Louis’ résumé but also underscores the impact of timely scoring bursts in high‑stakes matchups. Fans can expect the Billikens to ride this momentum into the next pivotal games.
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