In as deceptive a score as you may find, St. Louis University beat St. Ambrose of Iowa 61-47 in an exhibition game Saturday at Chaifetz Arena.

SLU struggled to score, from the field and at the free throw line, struggled to keep possession, struggled to remember basics of defense. That some of the people doing the struggling were SLU's more experienced players was not a good sign.

"That's a scary thing," SLU coach Rick Majerus said.

In the first nine minutes of the second half, SLU scored just four points and had eight turnovers. SLU trailed 42-41 with 8 minutes to play and didn't take the lead for good until Jeff Reid hit two free throws with 6:55 to play to break a 43-43 tie.

"We're going to get better," center Willie Reed said. "We just have to keep practicing hard."

Forward Brian Conklin hobbled off the court midway through the second half after hurting his right ankle while driving to the basket. Conklin's ankle was iced to reduce swelling and he was taken to the hospital for X-rays. The severity of the injury probably won't be known until Sunday or Monday.

The silver lining was the play of freshman Reid, who Majerus saluted as player of the game and who was praised afterward by his teammates. Reid has seen limited time because of a bunion problem that still might require surgery, Majerus said, but came off the bench to have five points, three rebounds and two assists in 12 minutes. His energy started the decisive 13-0 run that swung the game to SLU in the second half.

"(Reid) played terrific," Majerus said. "He gave us a spark and a lift. Loose balls, energy, saves, getting guys open by screening."