The Saint Louis Billikens (15-1 overall, 3-0 in Atlantic 10 play) host the Fordham Rams (10-7 overall, 1-3 in A-10) on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 7 p.m. CT inside Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, Mo. This Atlantic 10 Conference matchup pits the league’s highest-scoring offense against its stingiest defense, promising an intriguing clash of styles.
Saint Louis enters riding a nine-game winning streak and boasting one of the nation’s most dominant starts. The Billikens rank 10th nationally in scoring offense at 92.8 points per game, with a +25.4 scoring margin that checks in third nationally. Their balanced attack features eight different players leading the team in scoring this season (tied for second-most in the country), highlighted by center Robbie Avila (12.9 ppg, leading all NCAA Division I centers with 3.8 assists per game), Dion Brown (11.9 ppg, team-high 6.3 rpg), sharpshooter Trey Green (10.9 ppg, A-10 leader in 3FG% at .448), Quentin Jones (10.8 ppg, nearing 1,000 career points), and Kellen Thames (9.9 ppg, coming off a strong week averaging 13.0 ppg and 7.5 rpg on 71.4% shooting).
Defensively, SLU has been elite: opponents shoot just 35.7% from the field (second nationally) and 27.1% from three (fourth nationally). The Billikens dominate the glass, ranking fifth in rebounds per game (43.8) and fourth in rebound margin (+13.0), and they haven’t been out-rebounded in any contest this year. At Chaifetz Arena, Saint Louis has won 14 straight dating back to last season—the longest streak in the building’s history. Head coach Josh Schertz (18th season overall, .778 winning percentage ranks seventh among active NCAA coaches) has the program off to its best start since 1993-94.
Fordham, under first-year head coach Mike Magpayo (2023 Big West Coach of the Year at UC Riverside), brings the A-10’s top defense, allowing just 63.9 points per game (12th nationally). The Rams are strong on the boards, leading the league in offensive rebounding (13.4 per game) and ranking second overall in rebounding behind SLU. Offensively, they rely on standout guard Dejour Reaves (A-10-leading 17.4 ppg, fresh off a career-high 31 points in an 81-77 win at St. Bonaventure), double-double machine Rikus Schulte (11.8 ppg, 10.1 rpg, league rebounding leader), and playmaker Christian Henry (11.7 ppg, A-10-best 5.7 apg).
Series History: Saint Louis leads the all-time series 16-5 and snapped Fordham’s two-game win streak with a victory in the Bronx last season. However, the Rams’ lone win in St. Louis came on Feb. 3, 2024, at Chaifetz Arena (Fordham is 1-9 all-time there).
This game features a classic contrast: SLU’s high-powered, balanced attack and suffocating defense versus Fordham’s gritty, rebound-heavy style and elite perimeter protection. With the Billikens heavily favored (around -18.5 points in betting lines) and looking to extend their home dominance while staying unbeaten in conference play, expect Saint Louis to leverage its depth, rebounding edge, and offensive firepower. Fordham will need standout performances from Reaves, Schulte, and Henry—plus strong second-chance opportunities—to keep it competitive.
Tune in on FanDuel Sports Network (Tom Ackerman, Troy Robertson, Tamar Sher) or stream on ESPN+, with radio coverage on 104.1 FM / 1120 AM KMOX (Bob Ramsey and Earl Austin Jr.). Live stats via StatBroadcast.
Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. CT—don’t miss it!
