Game Information
Saint Louis Billikens (27-4) vs George Washington Revolutionaries (18-14) - Atlantic 10 quarterfinals
Time: 10:30am CT Friday
How to watch: USA Network
DraftKings Odds
Spread: SLU -6.5
Total: 161.5
KenPom Projection
SLU 85, GW 79
The top seed Saint Louis University Billikens begin their quest for an Atlantic 10 Tournament championship when they take on the George Washington Revolutionaries in the first of four quarterfinals on Friday.
GW advanced to this game with a 66-62 win over Fordham on Thursday, giving us a rematch from a fantastic game back in January at Chaifetz Arena where the Billikens stormed back and won 79-76 on a late 3 by Robbie Avila.
SLU heads into today’s action having struggled down the stretch, going 3-3 straight up and 2-4 against the spread in the last six games. Even the two home games that the Bills won recently, it was a two-point game with four minutes to go against Duquesne and an eight-point game with eight minutes to go against lowly Loyola Chicago. Then the struggles culminated in an 86-57 blowout loss at George Mason this past weekend.
I don’t think the Billikens are in danger of missing the NCAA Tournament, but if they lose against GW, there are no guarantees - just ask Josh Schertz and his Indiana State team that got left out two years ago despite a 28-6 record and #29 NET ranking.
So while I think missing the Big Dance is highly unlikely, considering the team’s recent play along with Avila dealing with plantar fasciitis, many SLU fans are starting to panic - and I think it’s warranted.
I would not be surprised at all to see GW win this game, as the Revolutionaries pose a very difficult challenge stylistically. They’re an explosive offensive team that can fill it up. They’re very athletic and should know the formula by now to be physical with the Billikens on the perimeter and limit good looks for SLU’s sharpshooters. And the biggest problem is when the Bills drive to the hoop, they’ll have the A10’s best rim defender in Rafael Castro there waiting for them.
I just think the Billikens have lost their mojo, and I’m skeptical they’re going to get it back. I expect GW to cover the spread, and I wouldn’t dissuade you from taking a shot on the moneyline as well.
Pick: George Washington +6.5 at -115 on DraftKings
Eric Sontag hosts Domesticated Gamblers every week 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