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BRONX, N.Y. – Gibson Jimerson exploded for a career-high 33 points as Saint Louis topped Fordham, 88-63, Tuesday afternoon at Rose Hill Gymnasium in the Atlantic 10 Conference opener.
The Billikens, who led wire-to-wire, improved to 8-6 overall and 1-0 in the A-10. It was the first road victory of the season for the Bills. Fordham fell to 8-6 overall (0-1 A-10).
Jimerson, who had 26 in the first half, was 11-of-15 from the field and 5-of-7 from 3-point range. He also collected eight rebounds and posted a steal and a block.
Robbie Avila scored 19 points, while Isaiah Swope chipped in 14. The duo tied for the team lead with four assists.
Kalu Anya added seven points and a team-best 10 rebounds. Max Pikaar had six points. Kobe Johnson posted a team-best four steals.
The Billikens shot 60.3 percent from the field, including a sizzling 66.7 percent mark in the second half.
SLU won the battle on the glass, 37-27.
Jimerson was on fire right from the get-go. He scored the Billikens’ first 10 points of the game as SLU opened up a 13 point lead midway through the opening half.
The Billiken defense held Fordham without a field goal for five-plus minutes to end the first half before the Rams converted a layup at the buzzer. SLU took a 42-29 lead into intermission.
SLU started the second half with a 5-0 run and the Billikens never looked back.
Saint Louis is back in action on Friday night when it hosts Saint Joseph’s at Chaifetz Arena. Tip time slated for 8 p.m. (CT). The Billikens will debut their new “The Lou” uniforms in the game, which will be nationally televised on ESPN2.brian
