Bess, Saint Louis halt Murray State's five-game win streak
ST. LOUIS -- Javon Bess tallied 20 points, six rebounds and five steals and Saint Louis took over to begin the second half and beat Murray State 69-55 on Tuesday night to snap the Racers' five-game win streak.
Jalen Johnson contributed 10 points and 14 rebounds, Hasahn French added 16 points and nine boards and Davell Roby scored 12 for the Billikens (5-5), who had dropped five of six since opening the season 3-0. Saint Louis and Murray State hadn't played since the 1998-99 season and the Racers fell to 0-8 all-time against the Billikens.
Jonathan Stark scored 18 to pace Murray State (6-2), while Ja Morant added 10 points, 12 rebounds and six assists and Shaq Buchanon scored 11.
The Racers led 31-28 at halftime, but saw the lead disappear quickly after intermission. Roby nailed a 3-pointer to tie it at 31 and buried another 3 to put the Billikens up 36-33 just 2:04 into the second half. Saint Louis never trailed again. French's dunk capped a 29-8 run and gave the Billikens a 57-39 lead with nine minutes to play.
Game Information
- Referees:
- Don Daily
- Paul Szelc
- Bo Boroski
2024-25 Missouri Valley Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bradley | 8-1 | - | 17-3 |
| Drake | 7-2 | 1 | 17-2 |
| Belmont | 6-3 | 2 | 14-6 |
| UIC | 6-3 | 2 | 13-6 |
| Northern Iowa | 6-3 | 2 | 12-8 |
| Murray State | 5-4 | 3 | 11-9 |
| Illinois State | 4-5 | 4 | 12-8 |
| Valparaiso | 3-6 | 5 | 10-10 |
| Indiana State | 3-6 | 5 | 9-11 |
| Southern Illinois | 3-6 | 5 | 8-12 |
| Evansville | 3-6 | 5 | 6-14 |
| Missouri State | 0-9 | 8 | 7-13 |
2024-25 Atlantic 10 Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| George Mason | 6-1 | - | 15-5 |
| VCU | 5-1 | 0.5 | 15-4 |
| Saint Louis | 5-1 | 0.5 | 12-7 |
| Duquesne | 4-2 | 1.5 | 9-10 |
| Massachusetts | 4-3 | 2 | 9-11 |
| Dayton | 3-3 | 2.5 | 13-6 |
| Saint Joseph's | 3-3 | 2.5 | 12-7 |
| Loyola Chicago | 3-3 | 2.5 | 12-7 |
| St. Bonaventure | 3-4 | 3 | 15-5 |
| Rhode Island | 3-4 | 3 | 14-5 |
| George Washington | 2-4 | 3.5 | 13-6 |
| Davidson | 2-4 | 3.5 | 12-7 |
| La Salle | 2-4 | 3.5 | 10-9 |
| Richmond | 2-4 | 3.5 | 7-12 |
| Fordham | 0-6 | 5.5 | 8-11 |
Men's College Basketball News
