ST. LOUIS – Saint Louis jumped out to an early 14-1 lead and never looked back in an 84-42 victory over Rockhurst Tuesday in an exhibition men's basketball game at Chaifetz Arena.
 
It was the exhibition opener for the Billikens, who were playing in front of a sizable Chaifetz Arena crowd for the first time since the 2019-20 season.
 
Gibson Jimerson (team-high 14 points), Terrence Hargrove Jr. (12 points) and Yuri Collins (10 points) scored in double figures for the Billikens. Hargrove and Jordan Nesbitt corralled a team-high eight rebounds apiece, while Collins dished out seven assists and posted four steals. Nesbitt added four blocked shots and five assists.
 
SLU managed a 52-33 advantage on the glass. The SLU defense forced 22 Rockhurst turnovers and limited the Hawks to 29.1 percent shooting from the field, including 20.8 percent in the first half.
 
The Billikens shot 43.5 percent from the field, but just 24.1 percent from the arc.
 
Javonte Perkins, SLU's top returning scorer, suffered a left knee injury at the 4:44 mark of the first half and did not return.
 
The Billikens' lead grew into the 20s midway through the first half, and they took a 28-point lead – 40-12 – into the locker room.
 
SLU divvied up the playing time in the second half, as 13 players ended up seeing seven or more minutes of action in the game.
 
The Billikens continue exhibition play on Sunday afternoon when they welcome Lindenwood to Chaifetz Arena. Game time is 3 p.m.