RICHMOND, Va. – Four Billikens scored in double figures, and SLU shot 58.1 percent from the field in a 72-66 victory at Richmond on Saturday night.
With the win, SLU improves to 15-12 overall and 8-6 in Atlantic 10 Conference play. The Billikens are now in sole possession of fourth place in the A-10 with four league games remaining. Richmond, which entered the game tied with SLU for fourth in the A-10, dips to 9-17 overall and 7-7 in the league. The top four teams in the league standings receive a double-bye in the A-10 Championship.
Hasahn French and Davell Roby led the way for the Billikens with 15 points apiece.
Javon Bess registered his fourth double-double in as many games with 14 points and 12 rebounds. D.J. Foreman chipped in 13 points for Saint Louis, which mainly played with six players.
French recorded a block in the game to give him 52 for the season, a new freshman record for a single season at SLU.
Aaron Hines was a perfect 4-of-4 from the field to account for eight points, while Jalen Johnson pumped in seven points for SLU.
The Billikens shot 58.1 percent (25-43) from the field and 50 percent (6-12) from the arc.
Richmond went up 6-0 early on, but SLU responded with an 11-0 run. The Billikens had five 3-pointers in the first half, including several that came as the shot clock was expiring. SLU led 30-27 at the break.
In the second half, Richmond used a 12-0 run to go on top 38-34 five minutes into the frame. But SLU responded right back and grabbed the lead once again.
SLU briefly trailed by one midway through the second half, but the Billikens went on a 14-2 spurt to lead by double digits with less than five minutes left. Richmond made it interesting in the final minutes, but SLU held on for the win.
The Billikens head to Dayton to face the Flyers on Tuesday night. Tip time is 8 p.m. (CT) and the game will be televised on ESPNU.
