The University of Mississippi Athletics
Rebel Win Streak Snapped at Saint Louis
12/30/2006 | Men's Basketball
ST. LOUIS (AP) - Ole Miss could not hold off a Saint Louis second-half rally, as the Billikens came from 16 down to claim a 59-56 win over the Rebels Saturday at the Scottrade Center.
The Billikens (10-3) trailed by 13 points at the half and never led by more than four points in a game that saw five ties and eight lead changes. Kevin Lisch scored 18 points to lead Saint Louis.
Ole Miss (11-3) had a chance to tie it at the end, but Todd Abernethy's 3-point attempt over a defender fell short at the buzzer. Just 45 seconds before, Abernethy had drained a deep trey that narrowed the gap to one, 57-56.
After a defensive stop by the Rebels, Bam Doyne, who led all scorers with 22 points, missed a short jumper with under 10 seconds remaining that would have put Ole Miss ahead by one point. The Billikens' Dwayne Polk grabbed the rebound and, after getting fouled, hit two free throws to finish the scoring.
Lisch sank two free-throws with 3:32 left in the game to tie the score at 51 and Luke Meyer's jumper on the Billikens' next possession gave Saint Louis the lead for good.
The Rebels knocked down 6-of-10 first-half 3-pointers to build a 34-21 advantage at the break. Clarence Sanders connected on 3-of-5 attempts in posting 11 points by halftime, while Abernethy made good on both of his tries from beyond the arc.
Ole Miss' edge evaporated during a 9-0 Saint Louis run to open the second half. Meyer scored seven of his 13 points during the run. Justin Johnson hit a short jumper for the Billikens with 11:47 left in the second half to tie it at 42.
The loss ended a four-game win streak for Ole Miss and concluded the non-conference portion of its schedule. The Rebels open SEC play Saturday night against Kentucky in Oxford. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. CT and will be televised by FSN South.