Avila to sit out game vs. Mizzou amid questions over eligibility, roster limit

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (Matrix Midwest) - Saint Louis University (SLU) center Robbie Avila will not play Friday night versus Mizzou amid questions over his eligibility and whether him joining the Billikens exceeds the roster limit.

Avila, who led SLU to the NCAA tournament last season, sued the NCAA seeking a fifth year of eligibility. A Missouri judge granted Avila a temporary restraining order on Thursday.

But on Friday, the College Sports Commission released a statement that it had denied SLU’s request to add a 16th player (Avila) to the roster. The limit is 15.

SLU released the following statement:

“Due to new developments, Saint Louis University men’s basketball student-athlete Robbie Avila will not suit up for tonight’s game. Avila will continue to pursue an opportunity to establish his eligibility, and the University will support him in that effort.”