SLU beats USM; Cincinnati Next

SLU has cleared the first hurdle at the Conference USA tournament, but the next hurdle is much higher. The Billikens battle Cincinnati at noon today in the quarterfinals. SLU got to this game by beating Southern Miss 59-51. Justin Love carried the Billikens with 25 points, and the Golden Eagles failed to score in the final 2 minutes and 53 seconds. Maurice Jeffers added 12 points, and Chris Heinrich chipped in five steals and two blocks. Forward Justin Tatum did not play because of a sore knee, and he may not be available against Cincinnati today, which make things even tougher. Cincinnati has not lost a conference game this year, and is led by national player of the year candidate Kenyon Martin.