SLU AND EASTERN EMERGE VICTORIOUS

Saint Louis stopped Belmont and Eastern Washington won on the road as the Gotham Classic continued on Saturday.

In St. Louis, Hasahn French turned in career highs of 24 rebounds and seven blocks to go with a season-high 21 points, and Saint Louis held off Belmont 60-55.

In addition to matching the season high by an NCAA Division I player, French’s 24 boards set a Gotham Classic record, tied the Atlantic 10 Conference record, tied the third-highest total in Saint Louis history, and set a Chaifetz Arena record. His seven rejections tied for the second most in Billiken annals and equaled the Chaifetz Arena mark.

In addition, French (pictured) registered the first 20-point, 20-rebound game by a Billiken since Anthony Bonner’s 45-point, 20-rebound performance vs. Loyola Chicago on March 1, 1990.

Jordan Goodwin tallied 13 points and a season-high 12 rebounds as the Billikens grabbed a Chaifetz Arena-record 60 boards and out-rebounded Belmont 60-38. The Bills’ season-high 22 offensive boards included nine by French and five by Goodwin.

Javonte Perkins tossed in 10 points, while French and Yuri Collins chalked up a game-high four assists apiece. French’s four helpers tied his career best.

Grayson Murphy led Ohio Valley Conference member Belmont with 17 points and nine rebounds. Saint Louis held the Bruins to seven 3-pointers (7-of-24); Belmont came in averaging 11.8, tied for fifth in the nation.

In High Point, Ellis Magnuson was one of four players in double figures, helping the Eastern Washington University men’s basketball team jump out to a 15-2 lead and beat High Point 90-74.

Magnuson scored 12 points in the first half, including a pair of 3-pointers after entering the game 0-of-7 as a collegian.

Magnuson finished with 12 points, eight assists, and three steals, with Jacob Davison and Kim Aiken Jr. each scoring 19 to lead EWU. Mason Peatling was the fourth player in double figures with 15 to go along with a team-leading eight rebounds.

Eastern out-shot the Wildcats 47 percent to 33 percent, including 54 percent to 24 percent in the first half when EWU led 41-35. The Eagles host NCAA basketball powerhouse Belmont on Tuesday (Nov. 26) at 6:05 p.m. Pacific time at Reese Court in Cheney, Wash.

High Point received 15 points and 13 rebounds from Caden Sanchez. Eric Coleman Jr. added 14 points.

The Gotham Classic continues on Tuesday when Eastern Washington hosts Belmont. It concludes on Wednesday with the Showcase Game between Saint Louis and Boston College. That game will be played in Chestnut Hill.