March 1, 2000
ST. LOUIS (AP) - Dave Fergerson and Justin Love each scored 16 points as Saint Louis snapped a four-game losing streak by beating North Carolina-Charlotte 72-63 Wednesday night.
After letting a 13-point second half lead slip away, the Billikens (15-12, 7-8 Conference USA) secured the win by making free throws down the stretch.
Saint Louis made 31-of-37 free throws overall. The 49ers (14-14, 6-9) attempted just 10 free throws, making seven.
Saint Louis led 43-30 early in the second half, when Justin Love made two free throws after Charlotte coach Bobby Lutz was called for a technical foul. But the 49ers went on a 10-0 run after that to get back in the game, and tied the game at 47 on Jobey Thomas' basket with 8:28 left.
But Love made four straight free throws to get Saint Louis back on top, and the 49ers never got closer than one point after that.
Thomas led the 49ers with 18 points.
The Billikens made just five of their first 23 shots and trailed 24-19 with 5:43 left in the first half, before going on an 18-2 run for a 37-26 halftime advantage.
