Saint Louis coach Jim Crews and Butler’s Brad Stevens nearly echoed each other when assessing the key to Friday night’s game in Indianapolis.
“I think the start to the second half was key,” Crews said after Saint Louis took control of the Atlantic 10 race with a 65-61 comeback win over the No. 15 Bulldogs.
Mike McCall had 18 points and Kwamain Mitchell scored 10 of his 12 in the second half to help Saint Louis rally. Dwayne Evans added 17 points for the Billikens, who won for the fourth time this season against a Top 25 opponent — a school record — and earned their ninth victory in a row in Atlantic 10 play. The previous eight had all been by 10 points or more.
Saint Louis (21-5, 10-2) remains firmly in control in the conference, holding a one-game lead over No. 24 Virginia Commonwealth. The Billikens beat VCU, 76-62, on Tuesday.
Kellen Dunham led Butler (22-6, 9-4) with 14 points, all in the first half.
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