Game Information
Saint Louis Billikens (3-0) vs Grand Canyon Antelopes (2-1)
Time: 7pm CT Saturday
How to watch: ESPN+
DraftKings Odds
Spread: SLU -8.5
Total: 170.5
KenPom Projection
SLU 86, Grand Canyon 78
SLU Faces First Big Test
The Saint Louis University Billikens take a step up in competition tonight when they meet the Grand Canyon Antelopes at Chaifetz Arena.
After coasting to three wins against mid-to-low major teams, the Billikens (#68 in KenPom) come up against a Grand Canyon team from the Mountain West Conference that is ranked #95 in KenPom.
SLU Wearing Teams Down
The Billikens have six players averaging double figures in points, and their terrific depth has allowed them to wear teams down so far this season. SLU has a +36 first half scoring margin through the first three games, but that number rises to +54 in the second half.
The Billikens definitely need to take better care of the basketball. They are turning the ball over on 20.5% of their possessions, which ranks 276th out of 365 Division One teams.
Lopes A Real Threat
Grand Canyon has turned into a very good program with four NCAA Tournament trips over the last five years, including a first round win in 2024. The Lopes have been picked to finish 4th in their first season in the Mountain West after moving up from the WAC.
Grand Canyon does have a bad loss on its resume this season with a surprising 90-81 defeat to Youngstown State on November 7th. The Lopes were a 15.5-point favorite in that game.
My Lean
I am very high on this Billikens team, and I think they are chomping at the bit to play some better competition tonight. They are also looking for revenge after letting one slip away in a 73-72 loss at Grand Canyon last season.
Grand Canyon has a high ceiling, but we’ve also seen their floor with the home loss to Youngstown State. The Lopes will be up for this one, but so will the Billikens.
SLU doesn’t have a lot of opportunities against quality opponents in the non-conference, but this is certainly one of those opportunities tonight. I look for a tight game in the first half before the Billikens continue the trend of wearing down their opponent in the second half and winning by double digits.
Lean: SLU -8.5 at -105 on DraftKings
Eric Sontag hosts Domesticated Gamblers every Wednesday night on the STL Sports Central YouTube channel. Follow him on X @GamblingDads, and click here for his daily picks on all of our St. Louis area sports teams. Get Eric's picks for all sports by following him in the Action Network app with the username "esontag". Disclaimer