Billikens Grind Out Win Against Determined Dukes
As Head Coach of the Saint Louis Billikens, I’m incredibly proud of our team’s performance in securing our 12th consecutive victory with an 81-77 win against a very resilient Duquesne Dukes squad. This game, played on January 21, 2026, was a testament to our team’s grit and determination, particularly when facing adversity. While the final score might suggest a comfortable victory, the reality was far from it. Duquesne came prepared, executing their game plan effectively and pushing us to our limits.
From my vantage point on the sidelines, I observed a game characterized by intense physicality and strategic adjustments on both sides. Duquesne’s defense was particularly challenging, forcing us into uncomfortable situations and disrupting our offensive flow at times. Their guards, led by Jimmy Clark III, presented a constant threat, penetrating our defense and creating scoring opportunities. We knew coming into the game that they were a dangerous team, and they certainly lived up to that billing.
Key Moments and Player Performances
Yuri Collins’ leadership and poise were instrumental in navigating the late-game pressure. His ability to control the tempo and make crucial passes, especially in the final minutes, was vital to securing the win. He finished the game with another stellar performance, orchestrating the offense and finding open teammates. His experience and basketball IQ are invaluable to this team.
Gibson Jimerson once again proved to be a reliable scoring threat, hitting timely shots that shifted the momentum in our favor. His offensive versatility and ability to create his own shot make him a difficult matchup for any opponent. He’s been working tirelessly on his game, and it’s paying off on the court.
Francis Okoro’s presence in the paint was also a significant factor. His rebounding and defensive efforts were crucial in limiting Duquesne’s second-chance opportunities. He battled hard against their big men and provided a strong anchor for our defense. His continued development is a key to our success as we move further into the season.
Adjustments and Strategic Decisions
Throughout the game, we made several key adjustments to counter Duquesne’s strengths. We focused on tightening our perimeter defense to limit their three-point opportunities and emphasized crashing the boards to control the rebounding battle. Offensively, we looked to exploit mismatches and create open looks for our shooters.
In the second half, we implemented a few different defensive schemes, switching between man-to-man and zone to keep Duquesne off balance. This change in strategy seemed to disrupt their offensive rhythm and allowed us to gain some crucial stops. The ability to adapt and adjust during the game is something we’ve been working on all season, and it proved to be a key factor in this victory.
One area we need to improve on is our free-throw shooting. While we shot a decent percentage overall, there were crucial moments in the game where missed free throws could have cost us. We will be spending extra time in practice focusing on this aspect of our game.
Looking Ahead
This win was a hard-earned victory against a tough opponent. It highlights the importance of staying focused, executing our game plan, and playing with relentless effort. As we move forward, we need to continue to improve in all areas of the game and maintain our focus on each individual possession.
The Atlantic 10 Conference is incredibly competitive this year, and every game presents a new challenge. We cannot afford to become complacent or underestimate any opponent. We need to approach each game with the same level of intensity and preparation that we brought to the Duquesne game.
Our goal remains the same: to compete for an Atlantic 10 Championship and earn a spot in the NCAA Tournament. We know that achieving these goals will require hard work, dedication, and a commitment to playing together as a team. I am confident that this team has the potential to achieve great things, and I am excited to see what we can accomplish in the weeks and months ahead.
The Opposing Perspective: Duquesne’s Fight
While I’m focused on our team’s performance, it’s important to acknowledge the effort and talent displayed by Duquesne. Their coach, Keith Dambrot, had his team well-prepared, and they executed their game plan effectively. Jimmy Clark III was a standout performer, showcasing his scoring ability and playmaking skills. Their team demonstrated a lot of heart and determination, and they certainly gave us a run for our money.
Duquesne’s performance is a testament to the strength and depth of the Atlantic 10 Conference. There are no easy games in this league, and every team is capable of pulling off an upset. We need to be prepared for a battle every time we step on the court.
The Road Ahead: Maintaining Momentum
Maintaining this winning streak will require a continued commitment to excellence in all aspects of the game. We need to stay healthy, continue to develop our individual skills, and maintain our focus on the team’s goals. The coaching staff will continue to work tirelessly to prepare the team for each opponent and to make the necessary adjustments to give us the best chance to win.
We also need the continued support of our fans. Their energy and enthusiasm provide a huge boost to the team, especially when we are playing at home. We appreciate their unwavering support and look forward to seeing them at our upcoming games.
The journey is far from over, and there will undoubtedly be challenges and obstacles along the way. But I am confident that this team has the character, talent, and determination to overcome any adversity and achieve our goals. We will continue to work hard, stay focused, and play together as a team. And with the support of our fans, we believe that we can accomplish great things this season.
Final Thoughts
This victory over Duquesne was a significant step forward for our team. It demonstrated our ability to win tough games against quality opponents. However, we cannot afford to rest on our laurels. We need to continue to improve and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. The Atlantic 10 Conference is a gauntlet, and we need to be ready for every battle. I am proud of this team and confident in our ability to achieve our goals. We will continue to work hard, stay focused, and play together as a team. And with the support of our fans, we believe that we can accomplish great things this season.
FAQ Section
What was the key to Saint Louis’ victory over Duquesne?
The key to our victory was a combination of factors: Yuri Collins’ leadership and playmaking, Gibson Jimerson’s timely scoring, Francis Okoro’s rebounding and defense, and our ability to make crucial adjustments throughout the game. We also managed to maintain our composure in the face of Duquesne’s relentless pressure.
What adjustments did Saint Louis make during the game?
We adjusted our defensive schemes, switching between man-to-man and zone to disrupt Duquesne’s offensive rhythm. We also emphasized crashing the boards to control the rebounding battle and looked to exploit mismatches on offense.
How important is Yuri Collins to the Saint Louis Billikens?
Yuri Collins is incredibly important to our team. His leadership, experience, and playmaking ability are invaluable. He controls the tempo, makes crucial passes, and is a calming presence on the court, especially in pressure situations.
What are Saint Louis’ goals for the rest of the season?
Our goals are to compete for an Atlantic 10 Championship and earn a spot in the NCAA Tournament. We know that achieving these goals will require hard work, dedication, and a commitment to playing together as a team.
What are some areas where Saint Louis needs to improve?
One area where we need to improve is our free-throw shooting. There were crucial moments in the game where missed free throws could have cost us. We will be spending extra time in practice focusing on this aspect of our game.
How tough is the Atlantic 10 Conference this year?
The Atlantic 10 Conference is incredibly competitive this year, and every game presents a new challenge. There are no easy games in this league, and every team is capable of pulling off an upset. We need to be prepared for a battle every time we step on the court.
What role do the fans play in Saint Louis’ success?
Our fans play a crucial role in our success. Their energy and enthusiasm provide a huge boost to the team, especially when we are playing at home. We appreciate their unwavering support and look forward to seeing them at our upcoming games.
