BIRMINGHAM, ALA. – Saint Louis dropped a hard-fought 67-61 decision to 12th-ranked Auburn on Saturday afternoon in the Mike Slive Invitational at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.
 
The loss snapped the Billikens' five-game winning streak and moves them to 8-2. Auburn remains one of five unbeaten teams in the NCAA and improves to 9-0.
 
SLU junior forward Javonte Perkins led the Billikens with 16 points, with all of his scoring coming in the second half. Junior guard Jordan Goodwin registered his fifth consecutive double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds.
 
Hasahn French finished with 11 rebounds, as Saint Louis out-rebounded the Tigers 51-45.

Jimmy Bell Jr. posted a career-high nine points and added six rebounds.
 
The Billikens made just three 3-of-18 from 3-point range one game after draining a school-record 17 treys. Their first 3-pointer didn't come until midway through the second half. SLU was also hampered by an 8-of-19 performance from the charity stripe.
 
SLU got off to a great start, opening the game on a 9-0 run. Auburn responded with a 9-0 run of its own to draw even at 9-9 at the 12:15 mark.
 
After the teams traded baskets, the game was tied again at the 8:53 mark, but Auburn would grab a lead it would not relinquish. The Tigers led by seven at halftime.
 
While the Billikens never led again in the game, they did not go down quietly. Goodwin's bucket at the 9:32 mark pulled SLU to within three of the lead, but Auburn responded with five straight points.
 
The Tigers led by 14 with less than five minutes left before the resilient Billikens  responded with an 8-0 rally to pull within six with a minute-and-a-half left. But SLU wasn't able to get any closer and Auburn escaped with the victory.
 
Saint Louis returns to action on Tuesday night when it hosts Maryville at Chaifetz Arena. Tip time is 7 p.m., and the game will be televised on ESPN+.