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The Atlantic 10 conference schedule brings a David vs. Goliath matchup to the Joseph J. Gentile Arena this Friday night as the #18 ranked Saint Louis Billikens visit the Loyola Chicago Ramblers. This 8:30 PM ET tip-off, broadcast nationally on ESPN2, features a Billikens squad that has been one of the most dominant forces in college basketball this season, currently sitting at a staggering 23-1. In contrast, Loyola Chicago has faced significant uphill battles, entering the contest with a 6-19 record.
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Saint Louis opened as a heavy 18.5-point road favorite, a line that reflects their status as the nation’s 6th highest-scoring offense. While the Ramblers are playing at home, they face the daunting task of slowing down a Billikens team that is a perfect 7-0 on the road and hasn’t shown many signs of slowing down. With the total set at 155.5, bettors are looking at whether the Ramblers’ defense can offer any resistance to the Billikens’ high-octane attack.
Saint Louis vs Loyola Chicago Odds
Even with a massive spread, line movement can occur as public money flows toward the ranked favorite. Be sure to check the latest college basketball odds before placing your wagers.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Saint Louis | -4440 | -18.5 (-111) | O 155.5 (-113) |
| Loyola Chicago | +1200 | +18.5 (-109) | U 155.5 (-113) |
Saint Louis Betting Form
The Billikens are a juggernaut. Averaging 91 points per game (6th in NCAA), they possess a rare combination of efficiency and volume, shooting 52% from the field and over 40% from beyond the arc. Led by center Robbie Avila—who uniquely leads the team in both scoring (12.8 PPG) and assists (4.3 APG)—the Billikens run a sophisticated “five-out” offense that pulls opposing big men away from the hoop. They are coming off a dominant 82-58 win over La Salle, where they showcased their depth with Quentin Jones and Amari McCottry both providing spark-plug scoring.
What makes Saint Louis truly terrifying is that they aren’t just an offensive team; they lead the nation in field goal percentage defense (.365). This balance is reflected in their nation-leading scoring margin of +23.3. For those tracking Saint Louis stats and results, it’s clear that this team doesn’t just win—they cover large numbers by suffocating opponents on both ends. Make sure to monitor the Saint Louis injury report, as any rest for their deep bench could impact the final margin in a blowout scenario.
Loyola Chicago Betting Form
It has been a difficult year for Drew Valentine’s Ramblers. While they managed a 10-point win over La Salle recently, they were quickly brought back to earth in an 84-64 loss to Davidson. Miles Rubin is the primary bright spot, a defensive force who leads the team in rebounds (7.6 RPG) and blocks (2.3 BPG) while shooting nearly 60% from the floor. However, the offense has been stagnant at times, averaging only 67.6 points per game, which ranks near the bottom of the country.
Loyola’s hope lies in the “Gentile Magic” and their ability to play a slower, more physical game. They have hit the Over in 7 of their last 10 games, largely because their defense (allowing 77.6 PPG) has struggled to contain athletic guards. Before betting, check the Loyola Chicago injury report, as key guards like Justin Moore and Kymany Houinsou have been in and out of the lineup with undisclosed injuries, which severely limits their ability to handle the Billikens’ pressure. You can view their full season trajectory at the Loyola Chicago schedule and stats page.
Saint Louis vs Loyola Chicago Matchup Breakdown
This game is a fundamental mismatch in efficiency. Saint Louis ranks 4th nationally in both Offensive and Defensive Rating. They take high-quality shots (2nd in the NCAA in effective FG%) and prevent opponents from doing the same. Loyola Chicago, meanwhile, ranks 355th in Defensive Rating, meaning they are giving up a high number of points per possession regardless of the game’s tempo.
The Billikens’ ability to shoot the three (40.8%) is particularly problematic for a Rambler defense that has struggled to close out on the perimeter. If Saint Louis hits four or five early triples, this game could spiral quickly.
- The Avila Factor: Can Miles Rubin stay out of foul trouble while guarding the versatile Robbie Avila?
- Scoring Margin: Saint Louis leads the NCAA (+23.3), making the 18.5-point spread look relatively modest.
- Turnover Battle: Loyola averages 13.1 turnovers per game; Saint Louis’ pressure defense will likely turn those into easy transition buckets.
- Pace: Saint Louis wants to run (74.6 possessions), while Loyola prefers a half-court battle to hide their defensive weaknesses.
Understanding advanced NCAAB betting strategies is vital here, as double-digit road favorites in conference play can sometimes be trap games, but the statistical gap between these two programs is currently a chasm.
Saint Louis vs Loyola Chicago Predictions and Best Bets
While 18.5 points is a lot to lay on the road, Saint Louis is not your typical road favorite. They have already proven they can “mop the floor” with A-10 opponents, frequently winning by 20 or 30 points. Loyola Chicago simply doesn’t have the scoring depth to keep up once the Billikens’ starters find their rhythm. Our model projects a 92-68 victory for Saint Louis, which clears the spread with ease.
Regarding the total, 155.5 is a tricky number. While Saint Louis will likely do their part by scoring 85-95 points, Loyola Chicago’s offense is so inconsistent that they could easily get stuck in the 50s or 60s against the Billikens’ top-tier defense. Because Saint Louis is so effective at forcing missed shots, the Under is a savvy “lean” here, as Loyola may struggle to contribute enough to push the total over the line.
Best Bet: Saint Louis -18.5 (-111).
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