Banged-up Billikens face test against LSU
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Saint Louis University forward Terrence Hargrove Jr. (22) wrestles with SIU Edwardsville forward Sidney Wilson (0) and SIU Edwardsville guard Shamar Wright (42) to get to the ball during the second half of the season opener game against Southern Illinois University Edwardsville at Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, Mo. on Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2020. The Billikens won 89-52. Photo by Cheyenne Boone, cboone@post-dispatch.com
Cheyenne Boone
Stu Durando
These days, just being able to play a college basketball game is considered fortunate, so St. Louis University’s encounter with old-school injuries isn’t going to garner much sympathy.
The Billikens were back in the gym Friday morning for COVID-19 testing ahead of Saturday’s meeting with LSU at Chaifetz Arena.
They then prepared for a game in which Fred Thatch Jr. will be out with a sprained knee and Hasahn French a game-time decision as he goes through concussion protocol.
Ford said French did some cardiovascular work Friday, and it’s likely that Marten Linssen and Jimmy Bell Jr. will again see a lot of time in the Billikens’ first big game of the season.
Linssen started and scored 11 points in Wednesday’s win over Southern Illinois Edwardsville. Bell scored three points as the two combined for 34 minutes. Bell missed most of the preseason with a foot injury.
“You’ve got Jimmy, who’s experienced but he’s only been practicing for a week and not up to game form,” Ford said. “He’s been off 2 ½ months and is still getting into game shape and game rhythm. And you’ve got one who’s experienced but is still learning the system. I thought they both did fine. I’m comfortable with both.”
French was injured in practice when he was smacked in the head as he went up for a layup. In his first three seasons, he missed only two games — one as a freshman and one as a junior. Thatch was hurt in the first half against SIUE and didn’t return. Ford hopes Thatch will be out for only a week.
Thatch’s absence decreases the team’s depth and will create more minutes for someone else off the bench. If French is unable to play, the Billikens lose one of the Atlantic 10’s best defenders and rebounders as well as a big offensive threat.
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Linssen showed some comfort in the offense and — most important — repeatedly got to the free-throw line, making seven of eight. Bell was a bit less active in the offense in his 15 minutes.
“Marten averaged double digits last year, and I think he can score around the basket,” Ford said. “He didn’t get as many touches the other night, but in practice he’s proven he can score.”
Whoever plays for SLU will face a load in LSU forward Darius Days, who is 6-foot-7, 245 pounds. He scored 25 points Thursday against SIUE. If French can’t play, his physicality and shot-blocking ability will be missed.
Same with his rebounding. Linssen and Bell each had two in the opener, leaving others to pick up the slack. Jordan Goodwin had 11 and guard Demarius Jacobs was next on the team with six.
“No doubt, you hope both of them get around double digits,” Ford said. But when you shoot 56 percent, there aren’t many rebounds to be had. Jordan takes up a lot and Javonte (Perkins) and others. I’m OK as long as we’re rebounding well.”
LSU will be SLU’s strongest home nonconference opponent. The Tigers were picked to finish third in the SEC and nearly cracked the first national rankings thanks to the presence of two preseason All-SEC picks.
Because games against Memphis, San Diego State and Boston College could not be preserved on the revamped schedule, LSU was an opponent that was important for SLU to keep.
Avoiding COVID to reach tip-off is the first step. SLU might have to give it a go without a star starter and a key reserve.
“I can’t imagine there being five more talented teams in the country in terms of pure talent,” Ford said. “They’re a very deep team and big, long, athletic and strong. Their makeup is highly impressive. They’re similar to us in that they have key core guys back. They’re a team that’s been good for a long time.”
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