EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – Saint Louis opened the exhibition season with a 76-67 win over SIUE Tuesday night at First Community Arena in Edwardsville, Ill.

The charity exhibition game was played to support Redefining Independence in Edwardsville. Founded in 2023, Redefining Independence is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, dedicated to providing vocational, educational, and social services for adults with disabilities, starting with work training programs and employment opportunities. 

Peyton Kennedy led all scorers with 30 points. Shun'teria Anumele chipped in 14 points, while Kennedy Calhoun had 11. Calhoun added eight rebounds and eight assists.

Tierra Simon brought down a team-high 11 rebounds. 

The Bills utilized a 14-0 run at the end of the first quarter and beginning of the second to take control. Kennedy scored 11 points in the second quarter alone to help SLU take a 39-27 lead into halftime.

Saint Louis stretched its lead to as many as 16 points early in the third quarter before the Cougars rallied. 

It was a one-point game with seven minutes left in the game before a quick 8-0 Billiken run put SLU back ahead. The run was punctuated by a pair of Kennedy treys.

Meanwhile, the SLU defense held SIUE without a field goal for a better part of seven minutes in the fourth quarter, preventing the Cougars from pulling any closer.

The Billikens continue exhibition play next Tuesday, hosting Missouri S&T at Chaifetz Arena for a 4 p.m. tip.