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Josh Schertz said he’ll talk to Robbie Avila this weekend about whether he wants to try to play for SLU or “cash in on his last year” elsewhere. There remain legal obstacles to play anywhere. Avila has practiced with the Billikens in recent days, which is allowable for alumni.

In 10 days, SLU will play for keeps. After final exhibition game, Josh Schertz said, "We have a long, arduous path to become a good basketball team." Story at stuonslu.substack.com

Josh Schertz said Quentin Jones aggravated an ankle sprain from last week but could have returned. Amari McCottry also has a sprained ankle. Mel Thomas was out with a thigh contusion.

SLU beats Bradley 88-75 in its final exhibition game. Kellen Thames had 18 points and 10 rebounds and Trey Green scored 22.

Badara Diakite makes an appearance with SLU leading 53-49. His entry follows a sequence that saw Jax Kerr block 2 shots (he was credited with one) and then sink a 3-pointer.

Cam Hutson starts second half for injured Quentin Jones.

A 3 at the buzzer gives Bradley a 43-41 lead over SLU at halftime. This is with Schertz sticking to playing the top 8 guys available without Amari McCottry available.

Thames with 6 straight points for SLU on an offensive rebound and two drives. He's 5-for-5 and perfect from the line for 13 points.

SLU does not look like the ultra-experienced team and Bradley the one with 10 new players.

Bad string of events for SLU: Bradley is on a 14-2 run for a 35-31 lead and Quentin Jones was just helped off the floor with a limp. He missed the Iowa scrimmage last week with a sprained ankle.

Josh Schertz takes a timeout with Bradley within 29-23. SLU up to 8 turnovers. On the positive side, the Billikens are 11-for-11 from the line.

SLU defense has been disruptive so far with 3 steals and numerous deflections. Bradley is shooting 33% and has 6 turnovers.

Kellen Thames with early success attacking the basket for 5 points. He looks like he could do that all night. SLU leads 10-6.

Amari McCottry is in street clothes. Mel Thomas also is unavailable.

SLU starters vs. Bradley tonight: Thames, Green, Sharma, Jones, Kerr.

Judge in Robbie Avila case writes in ruling: "The Court finds that to do complete justice here, an exception to the roster limit is required." Story at stuonslu.substack.com

Breaking news: Robbie Avila has been granted a temporary restraining order to play college basketball and the ruling also allows SLU to roster him. However, he must appear in court on Nov. 4 for a hearing on his motion for a preliminary injunction.