SLU (16-14) exited the first round of the NIT with a 62-52 loss to the University of Minnesota (17-12) at Savvis Center (reported attendance, 7,698). The Billikens trailed 35-20 at the half and were beaten on the boards 21-14. A second-half comeback provided some excitement as the Billikens cut the Gophers lead to 4 points. SLU's game was characterized by poor shooting from the field and the charity line. Minnesota was able to limit senior guard Marque Perry (5) to 2 first-half and 6 total points. SLU was led by junior forward Chris Sloan (33), freshman guard Anthony Drejaj (20) and senior center Kenny Brown (41) with 13, 12 and 11 points, respectively. The Billikens shot 33% from the field, 26% from three-point range and 43% from the charity line. SLU had 38 rebounds and 7 turnovers. The Gophers were led by sophomore forward Rick Rickert (4), sophomore forward Maurice Hargrow (11), senior center Jerry Holman (40) and junior forward Michael Bauer (41) with 15, 15, 13 and 11 points, respectively. Minnesota shot 43% from the field, 27% from three-point territory and 73% from the free-throw line. The 49ers collected 38 rebounds and committed 10 turnovers.

Listen to Coach Brad Soderberg reflect on the loss.