In a display of offensive firepower that etched new marks in the history books, the Saint Louis University Billikens dismantled the Lindenwood Lions 109-66 on Monday night at Chaifetz Arena. The lopsided victory not only propelled the Billikens to a perfect 3-0 start but also showcased a bench that erupted for 53 points and a second-half explosion that set a venue record.
From the opening tip, SLU dictated the terms, never once relinquishing the lead. The Billikens surged ahead early, building a comfortable 43-27 halftime cushion behind a stifling 13-5 run over the final 5:37 of the opening period. Lindenwood, playing their second Division I opponent of the young season, struggled to find rhythm, shooting just 36.4% from the field and committing turnovers that fueled SLU’s transition game.
The second half was nothing short of a demolition. SLU ballooned the lead to 20 points (50-29) in the blink of an eye, then stretched it to 31 (64-33) by the 14:49 mark. The margin peaked at a jaw-dropping 47 points late, as the Billikens cruised to their second straight 100-point outing – a program first. Head coach Josh Schertz’s squad connected on 66.7% of its field goal attempts (38-of-57) and drained 11-of-21 threes (52.4%), while dominating the glass 37-22 and the paint 54-34.
The story of the night belonged to the Billikens’ reserves, who outscored Lindenwood’s bench 53-32 and provided the spark that turned a solid win into a statement. None shone brighter than guard Amari McCottry, who erupted for a career-high 23 points on blistering 10-of-13 shooting. The sophomore added nine rebounds and a game-high four steals, embodying SLU’s relentless defensive pressure.
“Amari was unbelievable tonight,” Schertz said postgame. “He came off the bench and just took over – that’s the energy we need from our depth.”
McCottry wasn’t alone in his heroics. Forward Dion Brown chipped in 17 points on efficient 6-of-7 shooting, while Ishan Sharma drained four threes en route to a personal-best 16 points. Kellen Thames (12 points, 5-of-6 FG) and Quentin Jones (10 points, four assists) rounded out a balanced attack with five Billikens reaching double figures. Starters like Gibson Jimerson added nine points and key playmaking, but it was the collective bench dominance that overwhelmed the Lions.
On the other side, Lindenwood’s Jadis Jones led with 16 points, but the Lions managed just 27 first-half points and couldn’t stem the tide after intermission.
SLU’s 66 second-half points shattered the Chaifetz Arena record, previously set at 64. The 109 total marked the Billikens’ second-highest output at the venue and their best against a Division I foe there. For context, SLU’s previous high-water mark came in a 108-58 thrashing of Chicago State just four days prior – the first back-to-back 100-point games in program annals.
With this blowout in the rearview, Saint Louis turns its attention to Grand Canyon at home on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m.
At 3-0, SLU is off to its hottest start since 2018-19, and with depth like this, the Atlantic 10 better take notice.
Lindenwood will stay on the road this week as they travel to Huntsville, Alabama for the Alabama A&M MTE on Friday and Sunday. Tip off on Friday is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CT in a neutral site matchup with Charleston Southern.
Mick Lite is a versatile entrepreneur, photographer, and blogger with a huge passion for Music, Sports, Movies, Food, and Gaming. He has worked as an official scorer, social media manager, and photographer for various college, semi pro, and pro sports teams, including the River City Rascals, St. Louis Attack, Missouri Monsters, St. Charles Chill, SLU Billikens, Gateway Steam, St. Louis Riversharks, and Gateway Grizzlies. Served 12 years in the USN/USAF/USN.
