ST. LOUIS (Interstat) — Saint Louis built a commanding first-half lead and cruised to a 78-56 victory over Fordham in an Atlantic 10 Conference men’s basketball game Wednesday night at Chaifetz Arena.

The Billikens, improving to 16-1 overall, opened a 44-30 halftime advantage behind a balanced attack. Quentin Jones led Saint Louis with 13 points. Kellen Thames added 16 points off the bench.

DeJour Reaves scored a game-high 18 points for the Rams, who fell to 10-8. Fordham could not overcome its cold shooting, particularly from beyond the arc.

A crowd of 6,620 watched as Saint Louis covered the pregame spread as a heavy favorite. The Billikens host Richmond on Saturday, while Fordham returns home to face Duquesne.