Honestly, walking into Chaifetz Arena this year feels different. There’s a buzz that hasn't been there in a while. Maybe it’s the Josh Schertz effect, or maybe it’s just the sight of a 6-foot-10 center who looks like your favorite history professor but carves up defenses like a surgeon. We’re talking about the SLU Billikens basketball schedule, and if you haven’t been paying attention to how this 2025-26 season is unfolding, you’re missing out on a masterclass in modern hoops.
Saint Louis isn't just "playing games" this year. They are rewriting the script.
Forget the old, sluggish pace of years past. Schertz brought "Schertz-ball" from Indiana State, and the results have been staggering. As of mid-January 2026, the Billikens are sitting at 15-1 overall. Yeah, you read that right. They aren't just winning; they are vaporizing teams with an offense that ranks among the top ten in the country. If you’re looking at the remaining calendar, you need to know which dates are actually going to test this juggernaut.
The Heart of the A-10: Key Matchups Remaining
The non-conference slate was a statement. Wins over Grand Canyon and a nail-biter against Santa Clara proved this team is for real. But the Atlantic 10 is a different beast. It’s gritty. It’s physical. And the SLU Billikens basketball schedule for the rest of January and February is basically a gauntlet of "don’t-blink" basketball.
Upcoming Critical Dates
- January 17, 2026 vs. Richmond: This is a Saturday afternoon clash at Chaifetz. Richmond is always a tactical nightmare.
- January 20, 2026 at Duquesne: A Tuesday night trip to Pittsburgh. Mid-week road games in the A-10 are where dreams go to die.
- January 30, 2026 vs. Dayton: Mark this one in red. Dayton is the rival. The Flyers always bring a crowd, and this game will likely have massive implications for the regular-season title.
- February 13, 2026 at Loyola Chicago: A Friday night road test in the Windy City. This is a "prove it" game for the Billikens' defensive discipline.
- February 24, 2026 at Dayton: The return leg. University of Dayton Arena is one of the toughest places to play in America. Period.
The schedule isn't just a list of teams; it's a narrative of whether Saint Louis can maintain this elite efficiency. They recently dismantled Fordham 78-56, showing no signs of a letdown. But the back-to-back road trips in late February will be the real litmus test for their depth.
Why the Robbie Avila Factor Changes Everything
You can't talk about the schedule without talking about Robbie Avila. He followed Schertz from Indiana State, and he’s essentially a point-center. He’s averaging nearly 4 assists a game while shooting over 46% from three. When you look at the upcoming games against teams like VCU or St. Bonaventure, the matchup nightmare is obvious.
Opposing bigs don't want to guard him 25 feet from the basket. If they stay home, he drains a triple. If they close out, he finds Kellen Thames or Dion Brown cutting for an easy deuce. It’s beautiful, honestly.
The roster is deeper than people think, too. Trey Green, the Xavier transfer, has been a spark plug off the bench, and Quentin Jones is providing that athletic wing presence SLU has desperately needed. This isn't a one-man show; it’s a synchronized unit.
Where to Watch and How to Follow
Staying updated on the SLU Billikens basketball schedule means knowing where to find the games. It’s 2026, and the media landscape is... well, it's a lot.
Most of the home games are being broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network (formerly Bally Sports). If you’re a cord-cutter, you’re likely looking at ESPN+ for the majority of the A-10 matchups.
The TV Breakdown
- CBSSN & USA Network: These are for the "big" games. The Richmond game on Jan 17 and the La Salle game earlier this month hit the national airwaves.
- FanDuel Sports Network: Your go-to for local broadcasts. Tom Ackerman is still the voice you’ll hear on the play-by-play.
- KMOX 1120 AM: If you’re driving through the Midwest, nothing beats the radio call. It’s classic St. Louis.
Navigating the March Madness Path
The goal isn't just a winning record. The goal is the Big Dance. The 2026 Atlantic 10 Men's Basketball Championship is set for March 11-15 at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh.
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Current projections have SLU as a lock for the tournament, but seeding is everything. They can't afford "bad" losses to the bottom half of the conference. Every Tuesday night game against a George Washington or a Davidson matters. The margin for error in the A-10 is razor-thin, and the selection committee loves to find reasons to drop mid-major powerhouses.
Actionable Steps for Billiken Fans
If you want to stay ahead of the curve this season, don't just check the scores after the buzzer.
- Download the SLU Athletics App: It’s the fastest way to get tip-off changes or ticket alerts.
- Watch the "Schertz-ball" Tape: If you want to understand the why behind the wins, watch how they use high-post entries. It’ll make the games much more fun to watch.
- Secure Dayton Tickets Early: The February 20th home game against VCU and the January 30th game against Dayton will sell out. Don’t wait for the secondary market to gouge you.
- Track the NET Rankings: In today's college basketball, the NET (NCAA Evaluation Tool) is king. Watch how SLU’s ranking fluctuates after road games; that tells you more about their tournament seeding than their actual record does.
The Billikens are currently proving that a change in culture can lead to immediate results. With a 15-1 start and a roster that plays with genuine joy, the back half of this schedule is must-watch television for anyone in the 314 or beyond.