Saint Louis' blowout win over Georgia was two years in the making

BUFFALO, NY — This was a moment delayed by two years, a coaching change and a transfer. Two seasons ago, Indiana State won the Missouri Valley regular-season crown, earning the program’s first national ranking since the Larry Bird-led team in 1979 along the way, before losing to Drake in the finals of the conference tournament. The Sycamores were then snubbed by the NCAA selection committee, who held them out of the at-large field despite a NET rating of 28, the highest of any team to miss the tournament.

“It was kind of the biggest disappointment we’ve ever had,” said former Indiana State and current Saint Louis assistant coach Antone Gray. “It was a huge letdown that night. ” Two years later, the biggest pieces behind that season’s success — coach Josh Schertz and center Robbie Avila — embraced after No.

9 Saint Louis routed No. 8 Georgia , 102-77 , in the opening round of the Midwest region, celebrating an achievement rooted in the decision to leave Indiana State after the 2024 season. “Our goal was from the beginning of the year to reach this moment, so we got here, we kind of accomplished that goal,” Avila said.

“But obviously that 2024 year was just what it was. I'm just excited and blessed to have the opportunity to do it here. ” The Billikens advanced to face No.