The Saint Louis Billikens were busy on Sunday and Monday in Madrid, Spain, the first stop on their three-city tour of Europe. After a long day (and night) of travel and their first full day in Madrid Friday and Saturday (read more about that here), SLU took it easy during the day on Sunday in preparation for their first game of the trip Sunday night.

The Billikens came out on top against Zentro Basket, 98-45 Sunday night in the first game of the Euro Tour. Everyone on the trip saw playing time in the game. 

Monday, August 15, was the Billikens' final day in Madrid. With a practice and a game out of the way, SLU spent the day sightseeing. The day started with the team visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid.

After lunch, the team met up with Heidi Buffington from SLU Madrid, who treated the Billikens to churros and hot chocolate.

For the final team meal in Madrid, the Billikens cooked for themselves in a special cooking class. Some notables from those on scene:

• Coach Ford has impeccable egg-cracking skills
• Francis Okoro was ALL IN during the class, practically preparing the paella all by himself
• Gibson Jimerson used his “shooter's touch” to help his team win the cake-making contest 
• The team learned first-hand that cutting onions does in fact make your eyes water

Tomorrow (Tuesday, Aug. 16), the Billikens have an 11:40 a.m. (local time) flight to Florence, Italy. The team is scheduled to face the Italy All-Stars later that day at Palazzetto dello Sport. Given the travel schedule, the game time is to be determined.