Jan. 28, 2007

Final Stats

Kingston, R.I. - Freshman Katie Paganelli poured in a career-high 27 points as the Saint Louis Billikens claimed their first Atlantic 10 win of the season 72-67 at Rhode Island on Sunday afternoon in Kingston, R.I. The Billikens led 50-49 with 6:25 to go and reeled off 11 straight points to take command. The Rams made a late charge, but the Billikens hit seven free throws in the final minute to hold on for their first conference road win since Jan. 31, 2003, a 76-63 win at East Carolina.

"I'm so proud of the team and the way they stepped up today," head coach Katie Paganelli and Amy Klotz had monster games and to do that as freshmen on the road is a testament to the type of outstanding players they are. Hayley Leake was poised and did a tremendous in running the team in such an efficient fashion."

The Billikens jumped out to a 7-4 lead after a 3-pointer by Katie Paganelli and a bucket by Amy Klotz four minutes into the game. The Rams scored five straight to take their first lead of the game, but two free throws by Tyler McIlwraith tied the contest at 9-9. After a defensive stop, Rachel Taylon drained a baseline jumper to push the Billikens back on top 11-9. URI answered with a trey, but McIlwraith scored on a turnaround jumper, and Paganelli sank a 3-pointer from the top of the key as SLU pulled to a 16-12 lead with eight minutes left in the first half.

The Rams scored on their next possession, but Paganelli tacked on another trey as the Billikens build a 19-14 lead. URI forged a tie at 19-19, but Paganelli scored consecutive hoops as she tallied 10 straight for the Billikens during the stretch. Klotz and Hayley Leake scored inside on two consecutive possessions, but the Rams used a 6-0 run to edge out to a 30-29 halftime lead.

Paganelli continued her torrid streak by scoring on the opening possession after intermission, but the squads traded baskets as neither team was able to build more than a two-point lead. Finally, at 39-39, Paganelli scored on an offensive putback and hit her fourth 3-pointer to push the Billikens out 44-39 seven minutes into the second half. The Billikens led 44-41 before McIlwraith and Paganelli both converted two charity tosses apiece to build the lead to 48-41 midway through the second half. The Rams scored five straight during an 8-2 run to cut the lead to one at 50-49. McIlwraith hit three of four free throws to push the Billikens up 53-49. Klotz crashed the offensive boards, drew a foul and hit two from the line to a 55-49 lead with just over four minutes to play. Leake was sent to the line four straight times and drained all four, and Hennegan broke in all alone for a layup and a 61-49 lead with 2:42 remaining. The SLU lead was 65-51 but the Rams scored nine straight. Paganelli made two free throws with 48 ticks left to break the URI run. Leake hit four free throws in the final 23 seconds as the Billikens held on.

Katie Paganelli hit nine of 16 shots, including four 3-pointers, en route to her career-high 27 points to lead four Billikens in double figures. Freshman Amy Klotz, in just her third start of the year, scored 14 points for SLU and doubled her career high with eight rebounds. Hayley Leake sank 10-of-12 free throws and finished with 12 points, while Tyler McIlwraith chipped in 11. For Rhode Island, Safi Mojidi tallied 26 points.

The Billikens improve to 9-12 overall, 1-6 in the A-10. The Rams fall to 5-16, 3-4 in the A-10.