GETTING INSIDE

Rick Majerus has made slow but steadying progress since coming to Saint Louis two years ago. In his third season as coach, the Billikens have a chance to hit 10 wins before conference play, albeit mostly against a non-conference schedule that has been less than imposing.

Saint Louis has played four BCS schools and beat only one, Nebraska, while losing to Iowa State, Notre Dame and Georgia. Yet 7-3 is a good start for a team that does not have an upperclassman on the roster.

Forward Willie Reid and point guard Kwamain Mitchell have both built on solid freshman seasons and are having good sophomore years. Reid is averaging 14.4 points and 10.7 rebounds, both team highs. Mitchell has a 14.3 scoring average and is dishing out 2.9 assists a game.

The Billkens are still trying to develop a reliable third scoring option, particular since top recruit Cody Ellis remains in his native Australia awaiting the NCAA to make a decision on his eligibility.

Sophomore forward Brian Conklin has shown signs on becoming a scorer as he has a 9.2 average. Freshman guard Christian Salecich has also had his moments with a 7.7 scoring average.

Defense, though, is Saint Louis’ forte. The Billikens are holding opponents to 57.5 points a game and 38 percent shooting from the field, including 28 percent from three-point range.

NOTES, QUOTES

• Saint Louis will try to extend its home winning streak against non-conference opponents to 15 when it plays Missouri State on Dec. 19 at Chaifetz Arena.

• Saint Louis has gone 27-3 when holding opponents under 60 points during Rick Majerus’ three seasons as coach.

January At A Glance:   Saint Louis has made steady progress this season with a roster consisting entirely of sophomores and freshmen. Part of the reason is that the Billikens scheduled soft out of conference to give their young players a chance to build confidence. The key will be to see if Saint Louis takes that confidence and becomes a team capable of surprising people in the Atlantic 10.

Quote To Note:   “He’s a drama queen.”—Saint Louis coach Rick Majerus on sophomore forward Brian Conklin, who tends to vigorously protest foul calls.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

Season Recap:   Saint Louis has been playing sticky defense this season and getting just enough on the offensive end to win games. A pair of sophomores, forward Willie Reed and point guard Kwamain Mitchell, have improved after fine freshman years and are the two players who seemed poised to lead this program for the next 2 1/2 seasons. The Billikens would love for the NCAA to rule on the eligibility of freshman forward Cody Ellis, their top recruit from Australia.

Player Rotation:   Usual starters—F Brian Conklin, F Willie Reed, G Christian Salecich, G Kwamain Mitchell, G Femi John. Key subs—G Kyle Cassity, G Justin Jordan, F Cory Remekun, F Tom Smith.

Game Review:  

Saint Louis 71, Southern Illinois 61

Saint Louis 66, Rockhurst 53

Saint Louis 75, Belmont 67

Game Preview:  

vs. Missouri State, Saturday, Dec. 19

vs. Missouri-Kansas City, Tuesday, Dec. 22

vs. Eastern Illinois, Tuesday, Dec. 29

at Bowling Green, Saturday, Jan. 2

vs. Richmond, Saturday, Jan. 9

In Focus:   Saint Louis will get a good early test in the Atlantic 10 when it hosts Richmond in the conference opener. The Spiders are not one of the Atlantic 10’s premier teams but have posted victories over such teams as Missouri and Mississippi State this season and facing them will give the Billikens a good indication of how they will stack up in the conference.

Roster Report  

• F Cody Ellis, Saint Louis’ top recruit in the 2009 class, remains in his native Australia while he awaits an NCAA ruling on his eligibility. With the NCAA office soon to shut down for the holidays, Ellis’ case may not be resolved until sometime in January.

• G Jeff Reid has missed four straight games with a concussion and his availability for the game against Missouri State on Dec. 19 is doubtful. The freshman is averaging 0.4 points and 4.6 minutes a game in a reserve role.

• G Kwamain Mitchell left the 75-67 victory over Belmont on Dec. 16 with 2:59 to go after getting accidently poked in the right eye. Mitchell was taken to a hospital for examination but is expected to play against Missouri State.