ST. LOUIS – Saint Louis took command with a 19-0 first-half run and maintained a double-digit lead the rest of the way in an 89-67 season-opening victory over Florida Gulf Coast Tuesday night at Chaifetz Arena.
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The Billikens (1-0) were led by their two junior captains – Hasahn French (20 points) and Jordan Goodwin (18 point). French recorded three blocks and six rebounds, while Goodwin turned in a game-high nine rebounds and three steals.
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Freshman Yuri Collins dished out nine assists in his collegiate debut. Also turning in a strong performance in his first collegiate game was freshman Gibson Jimerson. He turned in 10 points thanks in part to 3-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc.
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As a team, the Billikens shot 34-of-71 from the field (47.9 percent) and 11-of-27 (40.7 percent) from 3-point range.
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Goodwin and Jimerson scored seven and six points, respectively, during the Billikens' 19-0 spurt, which put the Billikens on top 23-6 at the 8:27 mark. Jimerson's points came on two 3-pointers.
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After Florida Gulf Coast, a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference, narrowed the lead to 23-11, SLU finished the half with a 17-7 flurry and took a 40-18 lead to the locker room. Tay Weaver buried a pair of treys during the run.
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FGCU drew no closer than 18 points in the second half, while Saint Louis led by as many as 28. The Billikens shot 58 percent (19-of-33) overall and 50 percent (5-of-10) from 3-point distance over the final 20 minutes.
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FGCU's Zach Scott scored a game-high 23 points, and Caleb Catto added 16.
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Saint Louis committed only nine turnovers and out-rebounded FGCU 41-28, including 21 offensive boards.Â
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The Billikens return to action Saturday, Nov. 9, hosting Valparaiso at 6 p.m. The game will be televised on FOX Sports Midwest.
