Quick Thoughts on Billikens 78-77 loss to LaSalle

Late Night + Busy Morning = Not Enough Time to Write a Full Recap, so here are just a few random thoughts about the disappointing loss to LaSalle last night:

- The Billikens never did quite figure out the screen game LaSalle was running at the top of the key. The Explorers must have been doing a good job of disguising their sets because they were getting players running absolutely free to the basket for easy lay-ups.

- The turning point in the game came with the Billikens leading 75-68 late in the second half. Brian Conklin missed a lay-up and on the ensuing possession, the Billikens left a LaSalle guard all alone outside the three point arc. He drained the three, cut the lead to 75-71. SLU would only score two points the rest of the night, on free throws.

- Once again, even though the Billikens out-rebounded LaSalle on the night, they failed to get the key rebound when it mattered most. Leading by one with about 10 seconds left, LaSalle drove the lane and missed the lay-up. Unfortunately for SLU, no one grabbed the ball and we allowed the same guard to get his own rebound off the floor and lay it back up for the game winner. INEXCUSABLE!!!

The Billikens go on the road Saturday for a game with Richmond. This was a tough loss and, I hope I am wrong, but you get the feeling from listening to Coach Majerus and to Porter Moser's comments on 101.1 after the game (he said this was the worst post-game locker room of the season) that this one could linger for awhile. Hopefully not, because if it does the Billikens may find themselves watching the conference tournament from their couches.