Game Information
Saint Louis Billikens (15-12, 8-6 Atlantic 10) at Davidson Wildcats (16-11, 6-8 Atlantic 10)
Time: 6pm CST Tuesday
How to watch: FanDuel Sports Network Extra/ESPN+
Betting Data
Consensus line: Davidson -1.5, opened Davidson -1.5
Consensus total: 144.5, opened 145.5
KenPom projection: Davidson 74, SLU 72
Best line available for SLU: SLU +1.5 at -105 on DraftKings
Best line available for Davidson: Davidson -1.5 at -108 on BetRivers
Best over number available: Over 144.5 at -110 on Caesars
Best under number available: Under 145.5 at -114 on BetRivers
Billikens Go For Two In A Row
The Saint Louis University Billikens will attempt to win back-to-back games for the first time in over a month when they head to Davidson to take on the Wildcats on Tuesday night.
The Bills defeated Rhode Island 81-66 on Saturday to pull into a tie for fourth place in the Atlantic 10 and keep themselves in contention for a double-bye in the conference tournament.
Comfortable Matchup For Billikens?
On paper, this projects to be a comfortable matchup for the Billikens. Their biggest problem offensively this season has been turning the ball over, as they have the A10's highest turnover rate in conference play. But the Wildcats have forced fewer turnovers than any team in the league.
SLU’s offensive philosophy revolves around taking either three-pointers or shots at the rim, as the Bills rank 4th in the nation in two-point field goal percentage. They shouldn’t get much resistance at the rim with Davidson’s defense ranking last in the A10 in blocked shots.
Davidson Is Very Beatable
Davidson is a solid offensive team, ranking third in the A10 in offensive efficiency. The Wildcats are also exceptional at taking care of the ball, as they rank 14th in the country in fewest turnovers committed per game.
But Davidson is a very beatable team. Despite having the easiest strength of schedule in conference play according to KenPom, the Wildcats are only 6-8 in the league and 3-4 at home. Davidson’s home league wins have come against Duquesne, Fordham, and Richmond, who all have losing overall records this season. The Wildcats’ losses at home have included defeats to St. Joseph’s, George Washington, and Loyola Chicago, who all profile similar to SLU in league play.
My Lean
Despite being the underdog, this is a game SLU should win. The Bills should be able to take care of the ball and get to the rim with success. And Davidson has proven this season that its home court advantage is negligible at best.
However, I can’t shake the bad feeling I have about this game. Davidson’s offensive efficiency is a concern, and SLU is playing with a short bench on just two days rest. In what projects to be a game played in the halfcourt, I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see Davidson have a hot shooting night while the Billikens go cold.
I won’t be betting this game, but if I had to, I’d go with my gut and fade my alma mater.
My very hesitant lean: Davidson -1.5 on BetRivers
Eric Sontag hosts Domesticated Gamblers every Friday on the Sports Hub STL YouTube channel. Click here for his daily picks on all of our St. Louis area sports teams. Disclaimer