Three Billikens combined for 44 points to lead Saint Louis to a 59-49 victory over Fordham Wednesday afternoon in front of 9,873 fans and school guests for the 10th Annual Billiken Books and Basketball game.
Freshman Rachel Kent notched her first career double-double, collecting 15 points (5-10) and a game-best 14 rebounds. Ciaja Harbison dished out a game-high six assists, along with 15 points and three steals, while Jaidah Stewart beat a career high with 14 points, including 4-of-5 from behind the arc, in just 11 minutes of action.
The Billikens have won six of their last seven games, improving their record to 16-10, 8-5 in the Atlantic 10. Fordham ends a 5-game winning streak, falling to 17-9, 9-4 in the league play.
Myia Clark and Kendra Wilken contributed six points each, while Myriama Smith Traore pulled down 13 rebounds, including five on the offensive glass.
Bre Cavanaugh led the Rams with 21 points, along with three rebounds and three assists. Kaitlyn Downey tallied a double-double with 16 points and a team-best 10 rebounds.
Four Billikens found the scoring column early, leading their team to a 12-6 lead to start the game. Fordham responded with an 8-4 run, giving SLU a 16-14 advantage at the end of the first quarter.
Kent kicked off the second period with one of her two 3-pointers on the afternoon. Stewart and Harbison each connected from deep, as well, in the quarter, putting the Billikens up 29-25. Four consecutive points from Fordham to end the half knotted the game at 29.
Just six total baskets were made in the third, with SLU hitting four of them. A late trey from Stewart gave the Billikens a 39-35 lead after three.
Fordham took its first lead in the game at the 5:25 mark in the fourth, moving ahead 42-41 and then again 44-42. The Billikens then scored the next 12 points, including eight from Stewart to regain control of the game 54-44. A Kendra Wilken bucket, followed by four Kent free throws extended the Billikens run to 17-5 and solidified the 59-49 win.
Saint Louis hits the road for its next two, beginning Saturday, Feb. 22, at VCU. Tip off is set for Noon CT and will be streamed to ESPN+.
