It took the performance of a lifetime from junior guard Kwamain Mitchell, but the No. 9 Saint Louis Billikens topped the Memphis Tigers by a score of 38-31 in the second half, giving Rick Majerus and company a 61-54 second-round win and the jesuits their first NCAA Tournament win since 1998. March Madness isn't normally a going concern in St. Louis, but the Billikens have a date with—in all likelihood—the No. 1 seed in the west, Michigan State. The Tigers were just 2-12 from three-point range, and shot under 40% overall; they simply couldn't shoot well enough pull away from the Billikens.
Mitchell was outstanding; he shot 9-14 from the field, including 4-7 from the three-point line, leading all scorers. Brian Conklin added 16 points, including 10 of Saint Louis's 14 free throws. The Billikens held the Tigers to a season-low 54 points, holding on to the ball in the prescribed Majerus fashion.
The Billikens will only have Saturday to celebrate; they'll meet the Spartans (or Long Island) on Sunday, looking to get a second win in the tournament for the first time since 1957.
More SLU coverage from SB Nation St. Louis: Rick Majerus has officially been crowned SLUperman.