LINCOLN, Neb. — Saint Louis posted a 79-74 exhibition victory over Nebraska Friday night at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
The Billikens trailed 39-37 at the break but outscored the Cornhuskers 42-35 in the second half to secure the five-point win in front of 14,850 fans.
Amari McCottry led Saint Louis with 11 points on a perfect 5-of-5 shooting from the field. Kellen Thames also scored 11 points, while Jax Kerr recorded nine rebounds to go with six points. Trey Green added nine points, all on three-pointers, and Quentin Jones finished with seven points and four assists.
All but one of SLU's 15 scholarship players played in the game, with 10 players playing double-digit minutes. Alon Michaeli missed the game with an injury.
The Billikens shot 44.1 percent from the field (26-of-59), including 50 percent (16-of-32) in the second half, and knocked down 12 three-pointers. Saint Louis also forced 21 Nebraska turnovers while committing just 11, turning those miscues into a 21-11 advantage in points off turnovers.
Nebraska took an early seven-point lead in the first half and carried a 39-37 advantage into the locker room. The Cornhuskers extended their lead to five early in the second half, but the Billikens responded with a strong stretch of play to take control.
Saint Louis moved in front for good in the second half and built its largest lead at 10 points, 76-66, with 2:30 remaining. Nebraska made a late push, cutting the margin to four points in the final minute, but the Billikens closed out the victory.
SLU will travel to Iowa for a closed-door scrimmage next Friday. The Billikens host Bradley in a public exhibition game at Chaifetz Arena on Friday, Oct. 23. SLU's home opener is set for Monday, Nov. 2, against Lehigh at Chaifetz Arena.
