The Saint Louis Billikens opened their Atlantic 10 Conference history with a 60-58 win over St. Bonaventure. Junior Ian Vouyoukas hit two free throws with 2.6 seconds to go to break a 58-58 tie and give SLU the win. Vouyoukas led the Billikens in scoring again with 18 points. Sophomore Danny Brown added 16 for the Billikens, while junior Justin Johnson added 12.
Frehsman Kevin Lisch also played the hero’s role, by hitting a three pointer with 34 seconds to go to tie the game at 58. He scored just five points on the night.
The Billiken fans in attendance got a scare when St. Bonaventure’s Ahmad Smith grabbed a half-court pass and launched a three pointer at the buzzer that rimmed out.
With the win, SLU improved to 7-6 on the season and 1-0 in the Atlantic 10. The game ended a five-game home stand for the Billikens, who will be off until January 11, when they hit the road to face George Washington, which is ranked 19th in the coaches poll and 20th in the AP.