Game Preview: Saturday, January 10, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. CT John E. Glaser Arena | Philadelphia, Pa.
The red-hot Saint Louis Billikens head to Philadelphia riding an eight-game winning streak and one of the best starts in program history. At 14-1 overall and 2-0 in Atlantic 10 play, SLU is the only team in Division I with six players averaging double-figure scoring, fueling a high-powered offense that ranks 9th nationally at 93.4 points per game. Their +26.3 scoring margin is third in the country, and they’ve dominated the glass (3rd in rebounds per game at 44.5, 5th in rebound margin at +13.6), never once being out-rebounded this season.
Defensively, the Billikens are elite: opponents shoot just 35.7% (2nd NCAA) and 27.6% from three (7th NCAA). They also rank 9th in assists (19.1 per game). This balanced attack has propelled SLU to its best start since 1993-94.
La Salle enters with momentum from a 79-72 upset at Rhode Island on Wednesday, snapping a five-game skid. The Explorers shot season highs (61% FG, 53.8% 3FG) in that win, led by bench spark Truth Harris (career-high 19 points) and Rob Dockery (continuing his hot A-10 stretch). But overall, it’s been a tough season at 5-11 (1-2 A-10). They struggle offensively (66.9 PPG) and defensively (allowing 72.4 PPG, .446 opponent FG%).
Saint Louis
- Robbie Avila (12.6 PPG, 3.8 APG – leads all DI centers in assists): The preseason watch list star (Naismith, Wooden, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) is a matchup nightmare with his passing and scoring.
- Dion Brown (12.6 PPG, 6.4 RPG): Efficient shooter (.667 FG%, 6th NCAA) and rebounding force.
- Trey Green (11.4 PPG): A-10 leader in 3FG% (.447), averaging 2.8 made threes.
- Quentin Jones (10.6 PPG): Needs just 16 points for 1,000 career.
- Amari McCottry (10.6 PPG): Clutch shooter, hit the go-ahead three in the recent VCU win.
- Kellen Thames (10.0 PPG): Coming off a career-high 18 points and double-double at VCU.
La Salle
- Rob Dockery: Exploding in conference play (18.3 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 61.5% FG; 20+ points in last two games).
- Jaeden Marshall (12.1 PPG): Team leader, elite FT shooter (.897).
- Jerome Brewer Jr. (10.5 PPG) and Truth Harris (off bench, 19 pts vs. URI).
- Offensive rebounding duo Justin Archer and Josiah Harris (both top-3 in A-10 offensive boards).
SLU dominates, leading 25-10 all-time and winning seven straight (12 of last 13). Last season: Billikens won 64-52 at Chaifetz Arena (Avila 21 points). This marks SLU’s first visit to the newly renovated John E. Glaser Arena.
How to Watch/Listen
- TV: USA Network (Steve Schlanger, Dr. John Giannini). Note: May join in progress if prior game runs long.
- Radio: 104.1 FM / 1120 AM KMOX (Bob Ramsey – 40th season; Earl Austin Jr. – 35th season) / Varsity Network App.
- Live Stats: GoExplorers.com
On paper, this is a mismatch: SLU’s explosive offense and suffocating defense against a La Salle team searching for consistency under first-year coach Darris Nichols. The Explorers’ offensive rebounding and recent hot shooting could keep it close early, especially at home. But if the Billikens control the boards and force misses (as they do to everyone), expect SLU to pull away. Look for Avila and the balanced scoring attack to shine on national TV.
Prediction: Saint Louis continues its roll with a comfortable road win. Billikens 88, Explorers 68.
