2012 NCAA Bracket, Memphis Vs. Saint Louis: Billikens Control Pace In Win Over Tigers

It wasn’t pretty, but a win is a win, as Saint Louis has advanced in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1998.

Down six midway through the second half, the Billikens recovered with a prodding offense to down Memphis 61-54.

The Tigers, who clearly had more talent on the court, were inconsistent if not downright abysmal offensively tonight, getting only four assists on 21 made field goals.

If it was the dribble-drive offense they were running, the next step was almost always taking an average to below average shot, not to pass into a better shot.

For the Billikens, they won because they were able to play at a pace that suited them, forced the Tigers’ Tarik Black into foul trouble, and took advantage when the Tigers’ starting big man was out of the game.

Getting a game-high 22 points from Kwamain Mitchell was a big help too, as the junior guard continued his excellent offensive play coming off the bench.

Hats off to Rick Majerus’ club, but the real story here is the rocky start the Josh Pastner era has gotten off to in the River City.

As a young coach who has secured commitments from a number of elite high school players, there’s been lots of hype, but few tangible and noteworthy results.

You wonder if he’ll be put on the hot seat to start next season.

For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com’s complete scoreboard.

For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation’s Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation’s NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and tons of analysis on who was snubbed, who got the best bracket, and who will make it all the way to New Orleans and the Final Four.