CINCINNATI (AP)—Reggie Bryant’s 3-pointer with 1:57 left put Saint Louis ahead to stay, and the Billikens beat Southern Mississippi 52-46 Wednesday night in the first round of the Conference USA tournament.
Josh Fisher had a steal and a pair of rebounds in the closing minutes to help Saint Louis (17-11) hold on. His two free throws with 22 seconds left clinched it.
Phillip Hunt had a career-high 14 points for Saint Louis, which wasted a 10-point lead in the second half before rallying. Bryant added 13 points.
Southern Mississippi (13-15) ended its season in turmoil, losing five of its last six games. Coach James Green resigned last Friday, leaving the Golden Eagles to play their last two games under assistant Jeff Norwood.
For much of a ragged first half, Southern Mississippi was the more inspired team, leading by as many as six points. Saint Louis shot only 28.6 percent from the field and trailed 23-19 at halftime.
Saint Louis opened the second half with a 16-2 run highlighted by Hunt’s two 3-pointers, putting the Billikens up 35-25. Southern Mississippi tied it at 37 on David Haywood’s 3-pointer with 8:15 left.
It was tied six times before Bryant’s 3-pointer put the Billikens up 49-46 with 1:57 to play.
Jasper Johnson led Southern Mississippi with 15 points. Charles Gaines, the only player in the conference averaging a double-double, had 10 points and 13 rebounds.