RICHMOND, Va. – Saint Louis battled to the end at first-place VCU before falling 71-65 on Tuesday night in Atlantic 10 Conference men's basketball action at the Siegel Center.

With the loss, the Billikens dip to 17-11 overall and 8-7 in A-10 play. VCU improves to 22-6 and 13-2 in the league.

Hasahn French and Tramaine Isabell Jr. led the Billikens with 16 points apiece. Javon Bess chipped in 14 points and recorded the 1,000th point of his career with a late free throw. Jordan Goodwin added 15 points and finished a rebound shy of a double-double with a team-high nine rebounds.

The Billikens outscored the Rams 38-30 in the second half but were unable to overcome the 14-point halftime deficit. 

Saint Louis trailed by as many as 15 points in the second half before the Billikens utilized a 9-0 run to get back in it. Goodwin capped the rally with a 3-pointer that made it 50-48 with 10 minutes remaining.

The Billikens rallied with less than a minute to go. Bess buried a big 3-pointer from the wing to pull SLU to within four with 36 seconds left. SLU pressured and forced a turnover on the ensuing possession, and Isabell made a free throw to cut the Rams' lead to three. 

SLU was whistled for a foul on the next inbounds, and VCU made the free throws down the stretch to hang on for the win.

SLU returns to action on Saturday when it hosts George Mason at Chaifetz Arena. Game time is 2 p.m.