They honored the battling Billikens last night. Speakers at a Tipoff Club dinner dealt lavish praise to a group of St. Louis University players who, in the words of Coach John Benington, ``had more confidence in themselves than I did.''

The most valuable player award was split three ways, among Glen Mankowski, Gordon Hartweger and Tom Kieffer. In addition, a special award was given to Bob (Bevo) Nordmann, the 6 -- foot -- 10 center who missed much of the season because of a knee injury.

``You often hear people talk about team spirit and that sort of thing,'' Benington said in a conversation after the ceremonies, ``but what this team had was a little different. The boys had a tremendous respect for each other's ability. They knew what they could do and it was often a little more than I thought they could do.

``Several times I found the players pepping me up, where it usually is the coach who is supposed to deliver the fight talk. We'd be losing at halftime to a good team and Hartweger would say,' Don't worry, Coach -- we'll get'em all right'.''

The trio who shared the most-valuable honors were introduced by Bob Broeg, sports editor of the Post-Dispatch.

Kieffer, the only junior in the group, was commended for his ability to hit in the clutch, as well as his all-round excellent play.

Mankowski, the ball-hawking defensive expert, was cited for his performance against Bradley in St. Louis U.'s nationally televised victory. Benington said, ``I've never seen a player have a game as great as Mankowski did against Bradley that day.''