Game Information
Saint Louis Billikens (14-12, 7-6 Atlantic 10) vs Rhode Island Rams (17-8, 6-7 Atlantic 10)
Time: 1:30pm CST Saturday
How to watch: USA Network
Betting Data
Consensus line: SLU -5.5, opened SLU -5.5
Consensus total: 152.5, opened 151.5
KenPom projection: SLU 77, Rhode Island 73
Battle of Two Similar Teams
The Saint Louis University Billikens welcome the Rhode Island Rams to Chaifetz Arena on Saturday afternoon.
These teams are separated by just one game in the Atlantic 10 standings, and they are extremely close in the metrics as well. KenPom has SLU rated as the 121st best team in the country, with Rhode Island just two spots behind at 123rd.
Billikens Get Much Needed Rest
The Billikens head into the action on Saturday coming off a much needed eight day break. SLU has lost three in a row and five of its last seven games. All of those losses were close well into the second half, but the Billikens have often been fading late and unable to close out games due to a lack of depth.
Over the last two games in particular, SLU’s bench has combined for just 28 minutes played and has contributed zero points on just one total shot attempt.
Rams’ Road Struggles
The Rams have been a poor road team this season, going 1-6 straight up and 2-5 against the spread, including losses to Atlantic 10 bottom-feeders La Salle and Fordham. Rhode Island also lost a non-conference road game to Brown from the Ivy League.
The Rams have also struggled in recent history with the Billikens, as SLU has won each of the last six meetings.
My Lean
I don’t think you can underestimate the importance of SLU getting eight days in between games. This team desperately needed time off, and now at home against a middling team in Rhode Island, I think this is a great get-right spot for the Billikens where they play well and cover.
This is just a lean for me and not a bet because I think the line is a tad too high. I thought the line would come out at SLU -3.5 or -4, so at -5.5, I’m passing on it. But look for the Billikens to play well on Saturday and hopefully come away with a cover.
Lean: SLU -5.5 on FanDuel
Eric Sontag hosts Domesticated Gamblers every Friday on the Sports Hub STL YouTube channel. Click here for his daily picks on all of our St. Louis area sports teams. Disclaimer