It is a weird, freezing night in mid-January, and if you are looking for a reason why a non-conference matchup in the Midwest still draws blood, look no further than the 400-mile stretch of I-70. People always think rivalries need to be in the same conference to matter. They're wrong. When you talk about Saint Louis vs Wichita State, you aren't just talking about a basketball game. You are looking at a decades-long grudge match between two programs that basically share the same DNA.
Basketball is different here.
Most national pundits ignore this matchup because it isn't blue-blood territory. But for anyone in the 314 or the 316, this is personal. It is about the "Roundhouse" versus the "Chaifetz." It is about a history that dates back to 1936, a year when the Billikens won the first-ever meeting by a measly two points.
The Numbers Behind Saint Louis vs Wichita State
Honestly, the raw data tells a story of two very different eras. If you just looked at the all-time record, you’d see Saint Louis leading 41–25. Case closed, right?
Not even close.
Wichita State has absolutely owned the modern era of this series. Heading into 2026, the Shockers have put a stranglehold on the Billikens, winning the last seven consecutive meetings. The most recent blow was a lopsided 88–63 defeat in Kansas City during the 2024 Hall of Fame Classic.
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It was a bloodbath.
SLU fans will tell you about the glory days under Eddie Hickey or the 16-game win streak they held from 1946 to 1954. But history doesn't win games in 2026. The Shockers have turned this into a "bully" dynamic, using a relentless physical style that Josh Schertz’s Billikens are still trying to figure out how to counter.
Breakdown of the Series Mastery
- Overall Lead: Saint Louis (41–25)
- The Modern Drought: SLU hasn't beaten the Shockers since the mid-70s in a meaningful home-and-home context.
- Last Ten Games: 7–3 in favor of Wichita State.
- Average Points: 69.91 for SLU vs. 67.02 for WSU (all-time).
Why the Schertz Era Changes the Equation
Josh Schertz coming over from Indiana State was supposed to be the Great Reset for Saint Louis. He brought that high-octane, "basketball-on-a-string" offense that made everyone fall in love with the Sycamores. For a while, it worked. The Billikens have been scoring at a clip we haven't seen in decades—dropping 100+ points on multiple teams this season.
But here is the catch.
Wichita State, under Paul Mills, plays a brand of basketball that is specifically designed to annoy teams like SLU. They are 12th nationally in free throws made. They slow the game down, they grind you into the hardwood, and they rely on guys like Justin Hill to make high-level decisions late in the shot clock.
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When you have a fast-paced offense meeting a defensive grinder, the "math" of the game changes. SLU wants 80 possessions. Wichita State wants 62. Whoever wins that tug-of-war wins the game, basically every single time.
The Secret Ingredient: Geography and Recruiting
You cannot talk about Saint Louis vs Wichita State without talking about the recruiting trail. Both of these schools go after the same kids in Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois. When a kid from the Metro East picks the Shockers over the Billikens, it’s a four-year talking point for the fans.
It’s about pride.
Wichita State is currently in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), while SLU sits in the Atlantic 10. They are both "mid-major plus" programs constantly fighting for that same at-large bid in March.
Because they aren't in the same conference, they don't have to play. They choose to play. That choice makes every elbow and every floor burn mean just a little bit more. It's a mutual respect disguised as a deep-seated dislike.
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What to Watch for in the Next Matchup
If you’re betting on the next meeting or just watching from the couch, pay attention to the three-point line. In the 2024 meeting, SLU was ranked top 10 nationally in three-pointers made, yet they still got hammered by 25 points.
Why?
Because Wichita State took away the "easy" looks. They forced SLU to become a mid-range team, which is exactly what Schertz doesn't want.
Keep an eye on the interior battle too. Quincy Ballard has been a human eraser for the Shockers. If the Billikens can't pull him away from the rim, they’re going to be settling for contested jumpers all night.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
- The Pace Factor: Always look at the "Over/Under" for this matchup. Wichita State has a tendency to lean toward the "Under" in big-time rivalry games because they prioritize defensive transition over fast-break points.
- Experience Matters: Both teams are currently ranked in the top 20 for "Experience" according to KenPom. This isn't a game where freshmen will likely take over. Look for the seniors to handle the late-game pressure.
- The "Home" Illusion: While SLU leads the all-time series, their home-court advantage hasn't mattered lately. WSU has shown they can win in St. Louis just as easily as they win at the Roundhouse.
The rivalry is alive and well, even if the national media hasn't caught on yet. Whether you're wearing blue and white or black and yellow, this is the game that defines the winter for a huge chunk of the Midwest.
Your Next Steps:
- Check the current KenPom rankings for both teams to see if SLU has closed the efficiency gap.
- Review the injury report specifically for Wichita State's interior defenders, as their defensive identity hinges on rim protection.
- Track the AAC and A-10 standings to see how a win in this series would impact each team's NET ranking heading into March.