The Saint Louis Billikens (6-0) have enjoyed a stunning start to the season, and now they have found their way into the No. 23 slot in the AP Poll and the No. 25 spot in the USA Today / Coaches Poll. The Billikens have not reached a post-season tournament since they made back-to-back appearances in the NIT during the 2002 through 2004 seasons, but, after their surprising undefeated start this season, they appear poised for a strong 2011-2012 campaign.
The Billikens lurched onto the national scene following their unexpected domination of the 76 Classic, in which they beat the Boston College Eagles and the Villanova Wildcats by over 10 points each, and then bested the Oklahoma Sooners by 20 points in the finale.
Having not reached the NCAA tournament since 2000, St. Louis certainly remains a darkhorse team. The Billikens will probably have to wait until late January until they have their next big matchup -- when they face the Xavier Musketeers -- so they will likely need to remain near-perfect against lesser opponents until then.
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