Saint Louis University and NCAA Tournament
The NCAA Tournament is one of the most exciting times of the year for college basketball fans. Every March, the tournament brings together the best teams in the nation to compete for the national championship. Every year, teams from all over the country dream of making it to the tournament, and Saint Louis University is no exception. But did Saint Louis University make the NCAA Tournament this year?
History of Saint Louis University Basketball
Saint Louis University is a private Jesuit university located in St. Louis, Missouri. The school has a long and storied history of basketball success. The Billikens, as they are known, have been competing in the NCAA since 1949. They have won nine conference championships, made 18 NCAA Tournament appearances, and have reached the Sweet Sixteen on three occasions.
Saint Louis University’s 2019-2020 Season
The 2019-2020 season was an exciting one for Saint Louis University. The Billikens finished the regular season with a record of 24-7, and won the Atlantic 10 Conference title for the first time since 2014. They also earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament and were seeded sixth in the Midwest Region.
Saint Louis University in the NCAA Tournament
Saint Louis University made its 18th appearance in the NCAA Tournament this year. The Billikens faced off against 11th-seeded Virginia Tech in the first round, and lost in a closely contested game, 66-52. The loss ended their hopes of making a deep run in the tournament, but they had a successful season overall and gave the fans plenty to be proud of.
Analysis of Saint Louis University’s Performance
The Billikens had a great season and showed that they can compete with the best teams in the country. They were led by senior guard Javon Bess, who averaged 17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. Bess was the heart and soul of the team, and his leadership was key to their success.
The Billikens also had a strong supporting cast, led by senior forward Hasahn French and junior guard Jordan Goodwin. French was a force in the paint, averaging 13.6 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. Goodwin was the team’s best perimeter shooter, averaging 13.4 points and 5.4 assists per game.
Saint Louis University was also a great defensive team, ranking fourth in the nation in points allowed per game. The Billikens held opponents to 62.9 points per game, the third-lowest total in the nation.
Did Saint Louis University Make the NCAA Tournament?
Yes, Saint Louis University did make the NCAA Tournament this year. The Billikens earned an at-large bid to the tournament and were seeded sixth in the Midwest Region. They faced off against 11th-seeded Virginia Tech in the first round, but ultimately lost the game, 66-52.
Key Takeaways from Saint Louis University’s NCAA Tournament Run
- Javon Bess was the heart and soul of the team, and his leadership was key to their success.
- Hasahn French was a force in the paint, averaging 13.6 points and 9.3 rebounds per game.
- Jordan Goodwin was the team’s best perimeter shooter, averaging 13.4 points and 5.4 assists per game.
- Saint Louis University was also a great defensive team, ranking fourth in the nation in points allowed per game.
- The Billikens earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament and were seeded sixth in the Midwest Region.
Future Outlook for Saint Louis University Basketball
The future looks bright for Saint Louis University basketball. The Billikens have a strong core of returning players, led by Bess, French, and Goodwin. They will also have a talented freshman class joining the team next season. The team should have a good chance of making the NCAA Tournament again in 2020-2021, and they could make a deep run in the tournament.
Saint Louis University in the National Spotlight
The 2019-2020 season was a successful one for Saint Louis University, and the team gained plenty of national attention. The Billikens were ranked in the top 25 for much of the season, and they were featured on ESPN and other national media outlets. The team also had a passionate fan base that followed them throughout the season.
Conclusion
Saint Louis University did make the NCAA Tournament this year, but ultimately lost in the first round. Despite the disappointing end to the season, the Billikens had a successful season overall and gave their fans plenty to be proud of. The future looks bright for Saint Louis University basketball, and the team should have a good chance of making the tournament again in 2020-2021.