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Law, defense help Texas A&M shut down Saint Louis

Nov 20, 2006 - 1:58 AM COLLEGE STATION, Texas (Ticker) -- When Acie Law IV and Texas A&M decide to lock a team up defensively, consider yourself locked up.

Law scored 23 points and had six rebounds as No. 12 Texas A&M posted a dominating 69-33 victory over Saint Louis in the final of the Shelby Metcalf Classic.

The Aggies held the Billikens to 11 total field goals, including just four in the first half when they took a 34-13 halftime lead. For the game, Saint Louis shot just 21 percent (11-of-53).

"We knew coming in they had a great transition offense," Law said. "We did a good job as a team taking away the transition points and baskets. Coach said he wanted to play this tournament like it was the Big 12 Tournament. We just have to continue to get better every day."

Entering the game, Texas A&M had stifled its three previous opponents, allowing them to shoot only 30.9 percent and limiting them to an average of just 56 points.

"This was a good win vs. a good team," Texas A&M coach Billy Gillispie said. "I thought they might score 100 points in transition but we were able to get back."

Law shot 10-of-15 from the field and has hit 72 percent of his shots over the last two games after shooting 5-of-16 from the field in his first two games.

Joseph James added 11 points and six boards for Texas A&M (4-0), which shot 54 percent (30-of-56).

Tommie Liddell scored 12 points and no other player managed more than eight for the Billikens (3-1), who made only 2-of-13 3-pointers.

"I want to compliment Billy (Gillispie)," Saint Louis coach Brad Soderberg said. "I've known him for a long time. He's implemented a system that I'm most impressed with because they don't just rely on their athleticism to beat you."

It was Texas A&M's first win in five chances against Saint Louis, which has lost nine straight games to ranked opponents.