ST. LOUIS -- Javon Bess scored 18 points, and Hasahn French added nine points and eight rebounds and Saint Louis defeated Butler 64-52 Saturday.
The Billikens (6-1) broke the game open with a 17-0 run that commenced when Bess hit a 3-pointer with 5:37 remaining for his first points of the game.
Saint Louis held the Bulldogs (5-2) without a point for a span of 8:11 after Sean McDermott hit a 3-pointer with 5:55 remaining in the first half.
McDermott led Butler with 12 points on four 3-point baskets, all coming in the first half, and Aaron Thompson added 11.