SLU leans on front court in 69-58 victory over North Alabama

ST. LOUIS — Javon Bess totaled 16 points and 10 rebounds as Saint Louis finished strong to beat North Alabama 69-58 on Tuesday night.

D.J. Foreman added 15 points while dishing out a career-best five assists and Hasahn French and Tramaine Isabell Jr contributed 11 points apiece for Saint Louis (3-0). Isabell grabbed seven rebounds, had two steals and one blocked shot.

North Alabama jumped out to an 8-0 lead before the Billikens roared back with 11 unanswered points and led 32-28 at the break.

Travis Ford on @SaintLouisMBB's gritty win over North Alabama: "Not very pretty, didn't play particularly well, but figured out how to win a game." pic.twitter.com/1BTAM9Zhfu

— FOX Sports Midwest (@FSMidwest) November 14, 2018

North Alabama's Jamari Blackmon nailed a 3 to start the second half, but French answered with a layup as Saint Louis gradually pulled away for a 50-40 lead. The Lions could never close the gap in the second half.

Cameron Diggs led North Alabama (1-2) with 16 points and nine rebounds. Blackmon finished with 12 points and four assists.