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Saint Louis star big man Robbie Avila was helped off the court late in his team's season-opening 85-78 loss to Santa Clara on Monday because of a right ankle injury. With under five minutes left in the second half, Avila drove to the rim and jumped to pass the ball to Gibson Jimerson in the opposite corner but landed awkwardly and twisted his ankle. Avila was on the floor under the basket for a couple of minutes before being helped off and into the locker room. He later emerged but was unable to put weight on his right leg and spent the rest of the game on the bench with ice on his ankle. The school said he would be further evaluated when the team returns to St. Louis. Avila had 16 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists before the injury. He missed much of the preseason because of a sprained ankle but was able to suit up and play 17 minutes in the Billikens' second exhibition game, against Maryville. A 6-foot-10 center who followed head coach Josh Schertz from Indiana State to Saint Louis in the spring, Avila was one of the biggest breakout players of the 2023-24 college basketball season. He helped lead the Sycamores to 32 wins and a run to the NIT championship game, where they lost to Seton Hall. Avila, who became one of the most recognizable players in the country last season because of his goggles and distinctive skill set, averaged 17.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists en route to first-team All-Missouri Valley Conference honors. He earned such nicknames as "Cream Abdul-Jabbar," "Steph Blurry" and "Larry Nerd." He was selected to the Atlantic 10's preseason all-conference first team. Saint Louis will next face Avila University on Sunday.
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