If you’ve ever stood inside UD Arena when the Billikens come to town, you know it isn’t just another Tuesday night on the calendar. The air feels different. It’s heavy.
Dayton vs Saint Louis is more than just a conference game; it’s a regional tug-of-war that has survived conference realignments, coaching carousels, and the slow death of the old-school Midwestern basketball identity.
Honestly, it’s kinda weird how much these two fanbases enjoy hating each other. You have Dayton, with its sellout crowds and "Flyer Faithful" who treat every home game like a religious experience. Then you have Saint Louis, the "Gateway to the West" program that always seems to have a chip on its shoulder, looking to prove they’re the true kings of the Atlantic 10’s western flank.
The Numbers Don't Lie (But They Do Hurt)
Let’s talk history. As of early 2026, Dayton has held a firm grip on the series lately. Looking back at the 2024-25 season, the Flyers basically owned the rivalry. They pulled off a regular-season sweep, winning 71-63 at Chaifetz Arena and then erasing a massive 15-point deficit to win 75-67 at home.
That comeback at UD Arena in March 2025? Absolute madness.
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The all-time record currently favors the Flyers, who lead the series roughly 44-30 (depending on how far back your record book goes—some start in 1952, others earlier). But don’t let that gap fool you. The games are almost always closer than the final score suggests. Since the turn of the century, these teams have traded blows in overtime more times than most fans’ hearts can handle. We're talking double-OT thrillers and buzzer-beaters that still haunt the dreams of Billiken fans.
Why This Matchup Hits Different
What makes Dayton vs Saint Louis so special isn't just the geography. It's the philosophy.
Dayton, led by Anthony Grant, has built a brand on length, defensive grit, and a "next man up" mentality that somehow keeps them in the Top 25 conversation year after year. They play in front of 13,000+ screaming fans who don't care if it's a Top 10 opponent or a winless squad—they show up.
Saint Louis is in a fascinating new era. With Josh Schertz at the helm, the Billikens have pivoted toward a more modern, high-octane offensive style. It’s a clash of cultures. You have the methodical, defensive-minded Flyers against a SLU team that wants to run you off the floor.
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- Atmosphere: UD Arena is a fortress.
- Recruiting: Both teams fight for the same 4-star kids in Ohio, Missouri, and Indiana.
- A-10 Stakes: More often than not, this game decides who gets the double-bye in the conference tournament.
The 2026 Landscape
Coming into this year, the stakes are as high as ever. Saint Louis entered the season as one of the favorites, thanks to a monster non-conference showing where they looked like a Top 30 team in the country. Dayton, meanwhile, has been the model of consistency.
One thing most people get wrong about this rivalry is thinking it’s purely about the men’s teams. The women’s programs have a history that’s just as spicy. In fact, as of January 18, 2026, the Dayton women’s team is heading into Chaifetz Arena with a massive 37-16 all-time advantage over SLU. However, the Billikens have actually won six of the last seven in that series. It’s a complete reversal of the men’s side trends.
Breaking Down the X's and O's
When these two meet, throw the shooting percentages out the window. It usually comes down to two things: rebounding and turnovers.
Last year, Dayton's Javon Bennett and Enoch Cheeks were nightmares for the SLU backcourt. They forced 19 turnovers in their January meeting. If you can't handle the ball against Dayton's pressure, you're dead. On the flip side, Saint Louis has found success when they can spread the floor and use their bigs—like Alyssa Koerkenmeier on the women's side or the versatile forwards Schertz has recruited—to pull Dayton's shot-blockers away from the rim.
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It’s a chess match.
Actionable Insights for the Next Matchup
If you're betting on or just watching the next Dayton vs Saint Louis showdown, keep these reality-checks in mind:
- Watch the First 5 Minutes: Dayton tends to start slow on the road. If SLU doesn't jump out to a 10-point lead early at Chaifetz, the Flyers usually grind them down by the under-8 timeout in the second half.
- The "Home" Factor is Real: These aren't just "tough" places to play. They are statistical anomalies. Dayton's home win percentage is elite, but SLU has turned Chaifetz into a house of horrors for visiting A-10 teams recently.
- Check the Injury Report: Both teams have dealt with nagging back and knee issues in their rotations this season. In a game this physical, losing a sixth man can be the difference between a win and a 4-point loss.
The rivalry remains the gold standard for the Atlantic 10. While schools like VCU or Loyola Chicago bring their own flair, there’s something about the Dayton and Saint Louis connection that feels like old-school college hoops. It’s loud, it’s mean, and it’s essential viewing for anyone who actually gives a damn about Midwestern basketball.
Keep an eye on the guard matchups in the next meeting. Whoever controls the tempo—whether it’s Dayton’s deliberate pace or SLU’s track meet—will likely walk away with the W.