Toughness, Discipline Will Make the Saint Louis Billikens a Tough Out in March

By Paul Seaver
Debby Wong-USA Today Sports

The Saint Louis Billikens have not yet wrapped up the Atlantic 10 regular season crown, but they do hold a one-game edge with two games to go.

As the final week of the regular season hits its course, the Billikens are looking to continue their winning ways and hit March with the same momentum that they have carried over throughout the past few months. Saint Louis enters Wednesday’s test with Xavier riding an 11-game winning streak and overall the team has incredibly enough won 20 of their last 22 games since the passing of former head coach Rick Majerus.

Motivated by a leader that recruited and coached each member of the team, the Billikens have responded with an incredible season that has surprised some, but certainly not themselves or interim head coach Jim Crews for that matter.

At 23-5 overall, the Billikens are looking like a team that could earn a five seed or higher within the Big Dance if they can maintain their stellar play over the course of the next week and a half.

Yet, what is it that drives this team and allows them to keep winning in the ways that they have?

Credit the job that Crews has done since taking over the program this past fall, but it’s all about the toughness and discipline that has been instilled within each member of this team. They’re on a mission, it’s just the feeling that this team has provided fans with since early December.

Even Butler head coachBrad Stevens, whose Bulldogs have now twice lost to Saint Louis, said that this Billikens’ squad may be just as talented as his Final Four team two seasons ago.

That toughness and discipline that the Billikens continuously showcase game-in and game-out will surely make Saint Louis a tough out once the NCAA Tournament kicks off.

For the time being however, Saint Louis remains focused on finishing the regular season strong and that continues on Wednesday night against the Musketeers. Tip-off in that one is scheduled for 9:00pm (EST).

 

Follow Paul Seaver on Twitter: @PaulSeaverRS

 

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