The Explorers got revenge for a 53-43 loss in St. Louis during the regular season, limiting the Billikens trips to the free throw line as St. Louis struggled all night from the floor, with a 65-56 victory in the first round of the Atlantic 10 Women's Basketball Tournament.
Micahya Owens scored 23 points, Alicia Cropper added 20 while Leeza Burdgess had a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds as the Explorers advanced to take on #2 St. Bonaventure in the Friday 5pm quarterfinal.
Cropper quickly responded when asked about the difference in the two games between the squads.
"Free throws. We gave up too many in that game," Cropper noted. St. Louis went 20-for-31 at the line in the regular season win, a game where both teams shot under 30 percent.
Tonight, the Billikens remained cold, shooting 33.8% while La Salle shot 40 percent.
"I thought we'd shoot better, but we didn't," said St. Louis head coach Kim Stone. "We just didn't have it today. But I told the girls that one game does not make a season, and we are a team on the rise." The Billikens (12-18), only lose one player to graduation and bring in one of the most highly touted recruiting classes in St. Louis history.
"It feels like December to be honest," Stone noted. "Many teams circle the calendar this time of year and say 'we're done'. This team didn't. They're ready to go to practice tomorrow. I love coaching this team."
The Explorers split their regular season meetings with the Bonnies, including a six-point win over St. Bonaventure last Saturday in their regular season finale.
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