Bess scores 20 as SLU defeats Dayton 75-65

ST. LOUIS -- Javon Bess scored 20 points and Saint Louis won for the third time in its last four games, holding off Dayton 75-65 in an Atlantic 10 battle Saturday afternoon.

The Billikens bounced back from a 75-74 overtime loss to Virginia Commonwealth after a 13-point second-half lead evaporated on Tuesday.

Jordan Davis dunked with 7:59 left to get Dayton within one, 54-53, but Bess answered with a jumper and Jordan Goodwin dunked to start an 11-0 run that made it 65-53 with 4:50 remaining. Darrell Davis hit a 3 with 2:29 left to get Dayton within five, 67-62, but Hasahn French dunked and Jalen Johnson, Davell Roby and Bess each hit a pair of free throws to put the game out of reach.

Johnson finished with 16 points and Roby added 14 for Saint Louis (11-11, 4-5).

Josh Cunningham scored 16 to lead the Flyers (10-11, 4-5). Jalen Crutcher added 14 points, Jordan Davis had 11 and Darrell Davis 10.