Honestly, if you haven’t been paying attention to Chaifetz Arena lately, you’ve missed a total offensive masterclass. Josh Schertz didn't just walk into St. Louis; he brought a flamethrower. The Saint Louis University men's basketball schedule for the 2025-26 season has transitioned from a curious experiment into a full-blown "must-watch" event.
The Billikens are currently sitting at 15-1 as of mid-January. It’s wild. They aren't just winning; they are vaporizing teams. We're talking about a squad that dropped 114 points on Principia and cleared the century mark against Saint Joseph’s in the conference opener. If you’re looking for the rest of the path toward the Atlantic 10 tournament in March, here is the breakdown of what is actually happening on the court.
The Gauntlet: Breaking Down the Remaining Schedule
The "easy" part of the year is officially over. No more non-conference cupcakes. We are deep in the Atlantic 10 grind now.
January 17: Richmond at Chaifetz Arena
This is a 3:00 PM CST tip-off. Richmond always plays that frustrating, slow-burn style, but with SLU’s current pace, the Spiders might struggle to keep the lid on the basket. It’s being broadcast on CBS Sports Network, so it’s a big-time national spotlight game.
January 20: At Duquesne
Heading to Pittsburgh is never a fun trip in late January. The Dukes play physical. SLU needs Robbie Avila to stay out of foul trouble here because UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse can get loud and tight.
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January 23: At St. Bonaventure
A Friday night special on ESPN2. 4:30 PM CST. The Reilly Center is basically a bunker. It is one of the hardest places to win in college basketball, period. If the Billikens survive this road swing, people will start talking about a Top 25 ranking for real.
January 27: George Washington at Home
Back at the "Fetz." Tip is at 7:00 PM on ESPN+. GW has some scorers this year, but SLU’s defense has been surprisingly stifling, ranking 5th in the country in defensive efficiency recently.
January 30: The Big One vs. Dayton
Mark your calendar. 7:00 PM on CBS Sports Network. This is the rivalry everyone in the A-10 cares about. Dayton is predicted to be right there at the top with SLU. This game might decide who gets the #1 seed in the conference tournament.
Why This Schedule Is Different This Year
The Saint Louis University men's basketball schedule used to be a lot of "hope we win a close one." Not anymore. Under Schertz, the Billikens are leading the nation in rebounding margin (+15.7) and they're playing at a breakneck speed.
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It’s the "Creamland" effect. Robbie Avila, the center who followed Schertz from Indiana State, is basically a point-guard in a 6'10" body. He’s got nearly 50 assists already. Watching him navigate the high post while Dion Brown (leading the team at 13.2 PPG) and Trey Green slash to the rim is basically art.
Key Dates in February to Circle
- February 13: At Loyola Chicago. This is a Friday night ESPN2 game. The Ramblers have struggled lately, but they always get up for the Billikens.
- February 20: VCU at home. Another Friday night national TV game. VCU was the preseason favorite, so SLU will want to make a statement here.
- February 24: At Dayton. The return leg. UD Arena will be a madhouse.
- March 7: Regular season finale at George Mason.
How to Watch and Attend
If you’re trying to catch these games live, tickets have been getting harder to find. Chaifetz has been rocking with 6,000+ fans lately. For the TV crowd, you’ve basically got a three-way split:
- ESPN+: Most of the mid-week A-10 games.
- CBS Sports Network/ESPN2: The big Friday and weekend matchups.
- FanDuel Sports Network: Select local broadcasts.
KMOX 1120 AM is still the home for the radio call if you’re driving. Honestly, there’s nothing like hearing the Billiken roar over the airwaves when they're on one of those 12-0 runs.
Real Talk: The NCAA Tournament Outlook
The Billikens are currently #26 in KenPom and #27 in the NET. That is "at-large bid" territory. The only blemish on the Saint Louis University men's basketball schedule so far is that heartbreaking one-point loss to Stanford back in November.
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The biggest limitation right now? Strength of schedule. The non-conference slate was a bit weak (ranked 320th), so SLU basically has to keep winning in the A-10 to keep their resume sparkling. They can't afford "bad" losses to teams like La Salle or Fordham.
If they keep shooting 51% from the floor like they have been, they won't just make the tournament—they’ll be a dangerous 5 or 6 seed that nobody wants to see in their bracket.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Download the SLU Billikens App: It’s the easiest way to manage tickets and see real-time stat changes.
- Check the Friday Night Lights: SLU has four major Friday night games on national TV (St. Bonaventure, Dayton, Loyola Chicago, and VCU). If you're a casual fan, these are the games that define the season.
- Arrive Early for Dayton: If you have tickets for the Jan 30th game, get there an hour early. The atmosphere is going to be electric.
The Billikens are for real this time. It isn't just hype. It's a high-efficiency, fast-breaking machine that has turned the A-10 on its head. Keep an eye on those road games in late January—that's where championships are usually won or lost.