SLU Rolls Past Lehigh 92-67 in Opener
Saint Louis University opened its season with a 92-67 win over Lehigh at Chaifetz Arena, with Robbie Avila sidelined pending a court hearing.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Basketball
Saint Louis University defeated Lehigh 92-67 in its season opener at Chaifetz Arena. Kellen Thames and Quentin Jones each scored 15 points, and the Billikens led by 17 at halftime.
Why it matters
The win gives the Billikens a strong start to a season that follows their 2026 NCAA Tournament berth and Atlantic 10 championship. Avila's availability for a Friday game against Mizzou depends on a Wednesday hearing on his request for a fifth season of eligibility.
Thames scored 15 points before limping off with just under a minute left in the first half, while Alon Michaeli added 11 points and six rebounds. Laczkowski's three-pointer with about three minutes left in the half sparked a 10-0 run.
The players
Saint Louis University
A private Jesuit university in St. Louis whose men's basketball program competes in the Atlantic 10 Conference.
Robbie Avila
A Saint Louis University guard who is seeking a fifth season of college eligibility through a court injunction.
The details
Chaifetz Arena hosted the opener, where SLU unveiled banners for its 2026 NCAA Tournament berth and Atlantic 10 championship before tip-off. Amari McCottry, Trey Green and Luke Laczkowski each scored 10 points, and Jax Kerr added eight points and eight rebounds.
Timeline
Friday: SLU is scheduled to face Mizzou.
Wednesday: A hearing on Robbie Avila's preliminary injunction for a fifth season of eligibility is set.
Season Trajectory
The opener sets the tone for a season that follows SLU's 2026 NCAA Tournament berth and Atlantic 10 championship. Avila's eligibility fight shows how court challenges to NCAA limits can shape a team's roster in a given year.
If the court rules for Avila, Billikens fans could see him in the Mizzou game Friday. The ruling will also decide whether SLU's rotation changes for the rest of the early schedule.
The takeaway
Early-season results can hinge on eligibility rulings that arrive days before a game, so fans should watch court dates as closely as box scores.
What happens next
A Wednesday hearing on Robbie Avila's preliminary injunction will determine whether he can play Friday against Mizzou.
Further reading
Follow more local coverage in the Basketball section for St. Louis.
