With 27 seconds left on the scoreboard, the Mehlville Senior High School boys’ basketball team held a one-point lead over St. Louis University High in the championship game of the South Side Classic Friday night.

But those 27 seconds were all that the Junior Billikens needed to overcome the Panthers and win the South Side Classic at Affton High School 47-43.

“The kids’ effort was there. We just couldn’t close the deal,” Mehlville head coach Andy Guethle said. “It was a really close game down the stretch.”

Mehlville (2-1) was led by Matt Browning’s 16-point effort that included three assists, three steals and two rebounds.

The sophomore guard is averaging 17.7 points per game and leads the Panthers with 10 assists.

“Matt had a good tournament and made the All-Tournament Team,” Guethle said. “We’re really looking forward to him having a good year.”

Senior forward Aaron Alexander also scored in double figures with 12 points and 13 rebounds.

Alexander also racked up two steals and two assists in the loss to SLUH.

“Aaron had a really good night as well,” Guethle said. “He did a good job rebounding and was able to work well with the ball on the inside.”

The Panthers are back in action when they travel to Vianney for a 7 p.m. meeting Monday with the 2-1 Golden Griffins.

Vianney is coming off a 56-44 loss at home to Hazelwood Central when the Hawks had three players score in double figures.

Tony Cochran led the Golden Griffins with 11 points while Joe James also scored in double figures with a 10-point performance.

“I haven’t had the chance to see them play, but I’m sure it will be a good game,” Guethle said. “If we can guard people like we’ve been playing, I think we’ll be in a lot of games this season.”