Saint Louis dug itself out of a deep hole Sunday afternoon at Chaifetz Arena, erasing most of a 24-point second-half deficit, only to watch High Point close the door in the final minute for a 68-58 victory. The Billikens dropped to 3-1 with their first loss of the season, while the undefeated Panthers improved to 5-0.
High Point controlled the opening half, shooting 47.2 percent from the field and 46.7 percent from three-point range to build a commanding 48-26 advantage at the break. The visitors extended the lead early in the second half, pushing the margin to 24 points at 53-29 with 16:41 remaining.
Saint Louis responded with a sustained defensive surge that disrupted High Point’s rhythm. After connecting on seven threes in the first half, the Panthers went 0-for-7 from beyond the arc after intermission and managed just 4-of-22 field goals overall in the period (18.2 percent). The Billikens capitalized, gradually cutting into the lead.
Cam Hutson’s three-pointer trimmed the deficit to 55-37 with 11:45 left. Kellen Thames followed with a fast-break layup that made it 59-47 with under seven minutes to play, and Quentin Jones answered with a three to pull Saint Louis within 10 at 60-50. The Billikens continued applying pressure and got as close as six points at 64-58 with 59 seconds remaining, but High Point converted free throws and secured key rebounds down the stretch to seal the win. The Panthers finished with 17 steals.
Thames recorded his fourth career double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Jones added 12 points, while Amari McCottry contributed 10 points and nine rebounds. For High Point, CJ Brown and Jason Rivera-Torres each scored 16 points, with Rivera-Torres also posting eight rebounds and seven steals. Filip Brankovic added 11 points and Isaac Garrett finished with 10.
The Billikens return to action Friday, November 20, when they travel to face Saint Mary’s.
