ST. LOUIS – Saint Louis established a 22-point lead just past the midway point of the first half and cruised to a 78-56 victory over Valparaiso Sunday afternoon at Chaifetz Arena.
Four Billikens – led by Erin Nelson, who tallied a game-high 19 points – scored in double figures, and three others narrowly missed. Nelson also tied for game-high honors with seven rebounds and added four assists.
Jamesia Price tied her career scoring high with 10 points, including a career-high three 3-pointers. Price grabbed a career-high seven rebounds and collected a game-high five assists, one shy of her career best.
Sadie Stipanovich registered 10 points, seven rebounds (game-high five offensive) and a team-high three steals, while Desirae Ball contributed 10 points and four assists. Denisha Womack and Briana Gray scored nine points apiece, and Olivia Jakubicek picked up eight points and five rebounds (four offensive).
Charae Richardson and Lexi Miller led Valparaiso (0-1) with 15 points apiece, with Miller adding four assists and three steals. Abby Dean had 11 points and six rebounds, while Liz Horton recorded nine points and seven boards.
The Billikens (1-1) shot 44.3 percent (27-of-61) from the floor and 74.1 percent (20-of-27) from the free-throw line. SLU earned a 41-35 advantage on the glass and, for a second time in as many games, had more assists (17) than turnovers (15).
Valpo shot just 32.1 percent, including a dismal 20.8 percent from beyond the arc, and committed 22 turnovers. Saint Louis converted those 22 miscues into 32 points.
The Billikens never trailed, taking a 3-0 lead on Price's first trey and scoring the first eight points before the Crusaders got on the board five minutes into the game. SLU's first double-digit lead, 12-2, came at the 13:53 mark when Price again connected from 3-point range.
The Bills went on to build a 26-4 cushion with 8:42 remaining before settling for a 39-21 advantage at intermission.
Valparaiso narrowed the gap to 14 points twice in the opening minutes of the second half. But a 14-1 surge put Saint Louis in front 63-36 with 11:03 left, and the lead would not dip below 20 points the rest of the way.
The Billikens complete their season-opening three-game home stand Friday, Nov. 15, against Eastern Illinois. Tip time at Chaifetz Arena is 7 p.m.
