ST. LOUIS -- Tramaine Isabell Jr. and Javon Bess scored 18 points apiece as Saint Louis ran out to an early lead and then held off Southeast Missouri State for a 75-65 win to open the season on Tuesday night.

Hasahn French scored just two points but grabbed 14 rebounds while blocking three shots. D.J. Foreman added 12 points and Jordan Goodwin scored 11 for the Billikens.

Saint Louis was up 40-24 at the break and pushed its advantage to 50-28 before the Redhawks started chipping away at the lead. They closed to 69-64 after Skyler Hogan drove for a layup and Gabe McGlothan hit a jumper with 45 seconds left. The Billikins made five straight free throws in the closing seconds to secure the win.

Saint Louis made 19 points from the four line while Southeast Missouri made just eight.

Ledarrius Brewer led the Redhawks with 18 points before fouling out. Alex Caldwell added 14 points with four assists.