Atlantic 10 Standings 2012: St. Louis Billikens In 2nd Place

The St. Louis Billikens lost their most recent conference game -- to Rhode Island -- but they remain in good shape in the conference race, as they are just a game behind first-place Temple.

Related: Saint Louis Vs. Rhode Island Score Update: Billikens Slump To Surprising Defeat

But even if they can't catch the Owls for the regular season A-10 championship, odds are good that the Billikens will earn a bye in the first round of the conference tournament, which starts on March 6. St. Louis need only hold its position in the top four of the standings to earn that bye.

But St. Louis' NCAA tournament fate likely will not hang in the balance during the conference tournament -- the Billikens maintain a healthy RPI and they're solidly in the tournament in recent projections.

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Saint Louis Vs. Rhode Island Score Update: Billikens Slump To Surprising Defeat

With No. 22 Temple just one game ahead in the Atlantic 10 standings, the Saint Louis Billikens had plenty to play for when they visited last place Rhode Island. However, the Billikens delivered arguably their worst performance of the season in the stunning 64-62 loss.

Although they took care of the ball, committing only six turnovers, the Billikens struggled to develop any offensive rhythm in the loss. As a team, Saint Louis shot just 36.1% from the field and just 10/29 from behind the three-point line. Dwayne Evans scored 14 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for the double-double. Kwamain Mitchell scored 12 points and dished out two assists, while Brian Conklin added 10 points in the loss.

Orion Outerbridge helped lead the Rams back from a halftime deficit, as he scored a game-high 18 points on 8/14 shooting from the field. Billy Baron chipped in 13 points on 4/10 shooting in the victory.

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St. Louis Vs. Rhode Island: Billikens Try To Extend Win Streak To 7 Games

The St. Louis Billikens (22-5, 10-3) hit the road to take on the Rhode Island Rams (5-23, 2-11) and try to continue their ascent in the A-10 conference standings on Saturday.