SLU Basketball: No. 18 Billikens Head to Chicago to Face Loyola Friday
The No. 18 Saint Louis Billikens (23-1, 11-0 Atlantic 10) travel to Joseph J. Gentile Arena to meet the Loyola Chicago Ramblers (6-19, 2-10) on Friday at 8: 30 p. m. ET. The matchup pits a nationally ranked, high-scoring Billikens squad against a struggling Rambler team searching for momentum late in the regular season.
Billikens riding a sustained hot streak
Saint Louis brings a long winning run and a balanced offensive attack into Chicago. The Billikens have compiled an impressive overall mark while dominating conference play. Their offense is among the nation’s most explosive units, routinely clearing the high-70s and into the 80s; recent form has shown no fewer than 78 points in nine straight games. The team’s tempo, shot volume and efficient scoring have forced opponents into uncomfortable defensive possessions all season.
Ramblers fighting to reverse course
Loyola arrives off a difficult stretch, with more losses than wins in recent outings. The Ramblers typically play at a deliberate pace and are among the country’s slower-scoring teams, averaging in the high 60s per game. That style has offered a potential counter to quick-strike offenses in the past, but struggles on offense and limited depth have made it hard to close the gap against high-powered opponents this season.
Matchups and X-factors
Interior play and three-point defense will likely decide the game. Saint Louis has enough perimeter threats to keep defenses stretched, creating lanes for guards and cutters. Loyola’s best bet is to control the paint and keep possessions long, forcing the Billikens to work for every bucket. Watch for matchups involving Loyola’s center, who has been one of the few consistent scorers for the home side, and for Saint Louis’ secondary ball-handlers to exploit mismatches in transition.
Coaching narratives and program momentum
The game carries differing stakes. For Saint Louis, maintaining momentum late in the regular season and preserving an unblemished conference record are priorities. For Loyola, a win would be a catalyst for rebuilding confidence heading into the final stretch and conference tournament. Each coach will be judged on adjustments: Saint Louis on how it handles slower, physical defenses, and Loyola on whether it can tighten defensive gaps and generate more high-percentage shots against a top offensive squad.
Betting angle and prediction
From a matchup perspective, the most compelling storyline is whether Loyola can slow the tempo enough to keep this within reach. The Ramblers’ slower pace and emphasis on limiting possessions can force lower scoring outcomes, while Saint Louis’ offensive firepower typically pushes totals higher. Expect a game plan from the home side that revolves around patient offense and extended defensive possessions.
Given Saint Louis’ offensive depth and recent consistency, the Billikens are clear favorites. Still, Loyola’s style and home-court familiarity make an upset or a close result possible if the Ramblers execute their plan and keep the clock running. Final projection: Saint Louis wins a hard-fought game, but expect a lower-scoring affair than the Billikens’ season averages due to Loyola’s deliberate pace.
What to watch during the game
Key indicators during the first half will include pace (possessions per minute), rebounding margin, and second-chance points. If Loyola can limit turnovers and win the board battle, the game could stay competitive into the final minutes. If Saint Louis gets hot from deep and forces quick possessions, the Billikens will likely pull away. Tip-off is Friday at 8: 30 p. m. ET.
