ATHENS, Ohio (Interstat) — Saint Louis built a large early lead and withstood a second-half charge to defeat Ohio 80-74 in a nonconference women’s basketball game Saturday at Convocation Center.

The Billikens opened with a 23-point first quarter and led by 13 at halftime. The Bobcats chipped away after halftime but could not overcome Saint Louis’s efficient shooting. The Billikens shot 46.8% from the field and 44.4% from 3-point range, while Ohio managed just 25.6% overall.

Jahda Denis led Saint Louis with 17 points. Ohio’s Bailey Tabeling scored a game-high 20 points and Antonicia Moultrie added 15. Saint Louis improved to 6-7. Ohio fell to 5-4.