KINGSTON, R.I. - Saint Louis got a goal in the first half from Luis Lara, and the Billiken defense preserved the shutout en route to a crucial 1-0 Atlantic 10 Conference victory over Rhode Island Saturday night at the URI Soccer Complex.

The win helped Saint Louis (5-2-5, 3-0-2 A-10) keep pace in the A-10 standings. The Billikens sit in third place, just one point out of first currently held by George Mason and Duquesne (both 4-1 in A-10 play) with three games to go. The Bills are the only A-10 team without a loss in the league this year. Rhode Island falls to 7-3-3 and 2-3 in A-10 play.

Lara's goal, his team-leading sixth of the season, came in the 16th minute. Matthew Wrobel and Seth Anderson assisted on the score. It was Anderson's team-leading seventh assist of the season.

That was the only goal of the game. The Billiken defense stood tall as Jeremi Abonnel recorded his A-10-leading sixth shutout of the season with four saves. 

Saint Louis extended its unbeaten streak to eight with the victory.

The Billikens return to Hermann Stadium next Saturday, hosting VCU in a 7 p.m. kick for Alumni Night.