Coach Rick Majerus' St. Louis Billikens suffered through a tumultuous season in the Atlantic-10 a year ago in large part because of the absence of star guard Kwamain Mitchell. Mitchell missed last season due to his involvement in an incident that resulted in a sexual assault allegation in May of 2010. Though charges were never pressed due to insufficient evidence, Mitchell missed a semester of school and an entire season of basketball. With the 5' 10" guard returning to the Billikens this year, hopes are high for St. Louis.
On Friday, in their season opener against Tennessee State, Mitchell and the Billikens cruised to a 71-37 win.
Mitchell got the start in the back-court alongside Kyle Cassity and finished with nine points and a team-high eight assists. St. Louis' defense was also key. The Billikens didn't allow a field goal until 12:41 mark in the first half.
Next up for Majerus' squad is Southern Illinois, who lost their season opener to Old Dominion 64-63.