Yuri Collins scored a game-high 21 points and converted a late 3-point play as the Billikens erased a 13-point second-half deficit to post a 76-73 win over Providence Sunday in the Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament consolation game at the Mohegan Sun.
SLU’s record stands at 4-1. Its lone loss came yesterday against a Maryland team that topped Miami today to win the tournament. The Billikens had another quality win earlier this week against Memphis at Chaifetz Arena. Providence falls to 3-2.
Collins’ 21 points came on 9-of-13 shooting from the field. He dished out seven assists, had five rebounds and posted three steals. Collins was named to the All-Tournament team for his efforts.
Francis Okoro had 10 points and nine rebounds, none bigger than the defensive rebound he snared when Providence had the ball down one in the closing seconds. He was fouled after getting the rebound, then hit both his free throws on the other end to put the Billikens up three.
Javon Pickett finished with 10 points and six rebounds. He scored his 1,000th career point in the process. Javonte Perkins scored 14 points, and Gibson Jimerson was one of five Billikens in double digits with 10 points.
The Billiken defense held Providence to 35.9 percent shooting. Providence made its free throws to stay in it, connecting on 20-of-20 from the charity stripe.
The game was back-and-forth for much of the first half, but Providence pulled away to take a six-point lead into the break.
The Providence lead grew to 13 at 47-34 early in the second half before the Billikens rallied to post the win.
Saint Louis returns to action Wednesday night when they host Paul Quinn College at Chaifetz Arena at 7 p.m. on ESPN+.
