This past weekend, St. Louis University held their annual True Blue Fanfest. This is the Billikens biggest celebration of the year. It was open to alumni, fans, current dancers, cheerleaders, and band members. 

At the Fanfest there was free food, drinks, music playing and some SLU gear available for purchase. For younger kids there were bounce houses, face paintings, and a photo booth. They also had a huge inflatable Billiken and their main Billiken walking around, taking photos with everyone. 

The overall experience was almost a look into what a college experience could be like at SLU. It was a huge social event, pretty much a tailgate for basketball, and the time spent there went by fast because it was so much fun. 

“My favorite part was seeing other people with the same interests in the team and sport all together,” junior Ilonka Guilliams said.  

Following the fanfest, St. Louis’s men’s basketball team took on Loyola University Chicago Ramblers. SLU’s previous game against the Richmond Spiders was lost, setting the team back mentally before their next game. 

Not only was the game against Loyola huge, but it was also a huge night for their star players. Guard, Yuri Collins, a usual starter, was taken out of the game early on due to fouls. Head Coach Travis Ford knew he couldn’t lose Collins too quickly, so he sat him until the second half. 

This allowed another guard, Gibson Jimerson, to pick up 21 points, leading his team during the game. During the first half, SLU and Loyola were trailing behind each other. SLU quickly made a break and led the Ramblers 42-26 at half.  

Since Collins was out in the first, Larry Hughes Jr., a freshman, made his appearance which heavily influenced the outcome of the game. Hughes Jr. worked his way around the court making five points, in a short amount of game time. 

Moving on to the second half, SLU picked up thier score with more determination and won 81-62, for the second time this season. Back in January, the Billikens beat Loyola 76-59, but this time, on their home court. 

The overall game was impressive and the players didn’t disappoint the fans. The FanFest was the best way to hype up fans and show what the college is all about. Make sure to catch one of SLU’s last home games on Friday, March 3rd.