Fansided

March Madness 2013: Saint Louis Breezes Past New Mexico State 64-44

By Josh Hill

Mar 21, 2013; San Jose, CA, USA; Saint Louis Billikens forward Rob Loe (51) in the huddle before the game against the New Mexico State Aggies during the second round of the 2013 NCAA tournament at HP Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2013; San Jose, CA, USA; Saint Louis Billikens forward Rob Loe (51) in the huddle before the game against the New Mexico State Aggies during the second round of the 2013 NCAA tournament at HP Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 21, 2013; San Jose, CA, USA; Saint Louis Billikens forward Rob Loe (51) in the huddle before the game against the New Mexico State Aggies during the second round of the 2013 NCAA tournament at HP Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2013; San Jose, CA, USA; Saint Louis Billikens forward Rob Loe (51) in the huddle before the game against the New Mexico State Aggies during the second round of the 2013 NCAA tournament at HP Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

March Madness is known for it’s drama, but so far the second round action we’ve seen has been virtually drama free. Even games that were supposed to be close, like the Butler Bulldogs and Bucknell Bison showdown, ended up being decided with a fair amount of time left on the clock. Saint Louis is riding an emotional high at the moment, and their second round game against the New Mexico Aggies was one of the most drama free games of the day.

The Billkens mounted a nice lead at the half which afforded them the ability to put it into cruise control to close out the game against the Aggies. New Mexico State made a push at the end, but the outcome was never in doubt as Saint Louis breezed into a third round showdown with whoever wins the Oregon/Oklahoma State game later tonight.

1

2

F

4 Saint Louis

29

35

64

13 New Mexico State

16

28

44

SLU – D. Evans: 24 Pts, 6 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 BlkNMSU –  B. Sy: 17 Pts, 9 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 Stl, 1 Blk

But for the Billikens, the game today was less about winning to survive as much as it was winning one for the gipper. Saint Louis lost legendary head coach Rick Majerus when he tragically passed away late in 2012. Since then the Billikens have been on a tear, winning the Atlantic-10 Conference and earning a 4-seed in the Midwest region of the NCAA Tournament.

They don’t play the sexiest style of ball, but their effectiveness was on display Thursday when they dismantled the Aggies of New Mexico State. One thing that should be noted is that the Billikens play a rough style of defense that drown opponents, as seen in action today. Oregon plays their hearts out but don’t have the best offense and the Oklahoma State Cowboys struggle to hit three pointers, meaning the Billikens could be set up nicely for a showdown with No. 1 Louisville if all goes well.

But that’s still in the future, and Saint Louis is living in the moment. They’re moving on to the third round of the tournament, and they’re continuing to win one for coach Majerus.

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