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Javon Bess registered game highs of 16 points and 10 rebounds, three other Saint Louis players scored in double figures, and the Billikens improved to 3-0 with a 69-58 win over North Alabama Tuesday night at Chaifetz Arena.
D.J. Foreman (5-of-6 FG) tallied 15 points and a career-high five assists, while Tramaine Isabell Jr. and Hasahn French netted 11 points apiece. Isabell added seven rebounds.
After North Alabama scored the game’s first eight points, Saint Louis ran off 11 straight for an 11-8 lead at the 11:32 mark.
Later in the first half, SLU pulled away from a 14-14 tie and established a 29-20 advantage with 1:46 remaining. However, an 8-3 UNA spurt made it a four-point game, 32-28, at the break.
A 3-pointer on its initial second-half possession pulled North Alabama to within one. Although Saint Louis never relinquished the lead, it was a two-possession game for eight minutes until Carte’Are Gordon made two free throws and a layup on consecutive possessions for a 50-40 Billiken edge with 11:37 left.
North Alabama drew no closer than seven points the rest of the way. Saint Louis’ largest lead was 65-53 at the 2:19 mark.
Bess added four assists and committed only one turnover in 35 minutes.
Cameron Diggs had 16 points and nine rebounds to lead North Alabama (1-2). Jamari Blackmon scored 12 points, and Kendarius Smith pulled down seven rebounds.
The Billikens play their first road game of the season Saturday, Nov. 17, at Seton Hall. Tip time is 7 p.m. Central, and the game will be televised on FOX Sports 2.
