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SAINT LOUIS - Saint Louis closed the first half on a 24-2 run as the Billikens led 50-16 at the half during an 86-44 win over Eastern Illinois on Friday evening at Chaifetz Arena.

Kejuan Clements scored the first basket of the game to give Eastern Illinois a brief 2-0 lead.  SLU would respond with a 12-0 run, one of several runs the Billikens would put together in the opening half.

Clements scored four points in the first half and Sammy Friday IV had five points in the first half to lead the Panthers first half scoring.  CJ Lane would be the lone EIU player in double figures finishing with ten.

SLU shot 51 percent in the opening half with Gibson Jimerson scoring 17 of his 18points in the opening half.  SLU finished the game shooting 49 percent from the field.  Marten Linssen scored all 15 of his points in the second half pacing the Billikens second half offense.

In addition to a good shooting night, SLU was dominant on the glass finishing with 49-to-25 rebound margin.  Francis Okoro had 12 rebounds to lead Saint Louis posting a double-double with 11 points.  Jermaine Hamlin and Barlow Alleruzzo IV led EIU with five rebounds. 

SLU improved to 3-0 on the season.  EIU fell to 0-2 and will host Central Michigan on Monday at 7 p.m. at First Mid Court at Lantz Arena for their home opener. 

EIU shot 26 percent from the field during the game including 5-of-18 from 3-point range.  Henry Abraham knocked down three of the Panthers 3-pointers to finish with nine points.