Athens, Ga. - A furious Saint Louis came up just short as the Billikens fell 64-56 at Georgia on Wednesday evening in Athens, Ga. Down by as many 20, the Billikens cut the gap to just five but the Bulldogs scored six straight points to stave off the SLU comeback.
The Bulldogs scored the first eight points of the game before a Femi John drew the Billikens to 8-3, but Georgia built the margin to double-digits. The Billikens misfired on their first 10 shots until Femi John hit a runner in the lane. John converted another drive to keep the Billikens close. Willie Reed hit four straight free throws as SLU edged into the Georgia lead. After the Bulldogs hit a 3-pointer, Brian Conklin and Reed scored on consecutive trips to pull SLU to 28-15. John's trey in the final minute cut the margin to 10, but the Bulldogs settled for a 31-18 lead at intermission.
The Bulldogs began the second half with four points before the Billikens sank six straight free throws. A Justin Jordan fast break layup drew the Bills to 40-26 five minutes into the second half, but the Bulldogs answered with five consecutive points to rebuild their margin. A 3-pointer by Jordan and two charity tosses by Mitchell trimmed the deficit to 12 midway through the second half. Back-to-back treys by Kyle Cassity brought the Billikens to 51-39 with 7:56 to play. Mitchell stole the ball on the next possession, and his drive pulled the Bills to 51-41. Reed threw down consecutive dunks to keep the Billikens within 10 with just over five minutes left. Mitchell drained a 3-pointer, and his layup with 3:12 to go brought the Billikens to 55-50. However, the Bulldogs scored six traight points and held on for the win.
Mitchell led the Billikens with 16, while Reed added 14 points and a team-high eight rebounds. The duo combined to post eight steals on the evening. Dustin Ware led five Georgia players in double figures with 17. SLU forced the Bulldogs into 19 turnovers.
The Billikens fall to 4-3 on the season, while the Bulldogs win their third straight and improve to 4-2. The Billikens return home to Chaifetz Arena on Saturday when Southern Illinois visits for a 7 p.m. game.
