The Saint Louis Billikens, currently ranked 23rd nationally, are at a pivotal juncture in their 2025-26 college basketball season. After an impressive 24-1 start, the team has recently encountered a rough patch, losing two of their last three contests. This weekend's game against Duquesne presents a critical opportunity for the Billikens to re-establish their dominance and solidify their position for the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
Crucial Atlantic 10 Showdown: Saint Louis vs. Duquesne
On a brisk Saturday, February 27, 2026, the No. 23 Saint Louis Billikens are set to host the Duquesne Dukes in an essential Atlantic 10 conference matchup. This game arrives at a critical point for Saint Louis (25-3, 13-2 Atlantic 10), who are looking to bounce back from recent setbacks, including a 77-62 loss to Dayton. The Billikens' recent performance has raised concerns, particularly their struggle with physicality and high turnover rates, as noted by head coach Josh Schertz. He stressed that while the team's initial success wasn't due to a lack of toughness, there has been a noticeable decline in their forceful play and a surge in turnovers. The team's scoring, led by Robbie Avila's 12.6 points per game and Trey Green's 11.3, remains potent, but Schertz insists on a more comprehensive approach to their gameplay. A potential Quad 3 loss to Duquesne could significantly jeopardize Saint Louis's at-large bid for the NCAA Tournament, despite their strong NET ranking of 24 and key victories over VCU and Santa Clara. Meanwhile, Duquesne (16-12, 8-7 Atlantic 10), currently on a two-game slide following a five-game winning streak, is fighting for better seeding in the Atlantic 10 tournament. Coach Dru Joyce III of Duquesne highlighted the mental and physical toll of late-season play, emphasizing the need for mental fortitude as players contend with accumulated fatigue and minor injuries. The Dukes will lean on the offensive contributions of Tarence Guinyard, averaging 16.5 points, and Jimmie Williams, with 15.3 points, as they seek to avenge their 81-77 loss to Saint Louis from January 20th.
This impending encounter between the Saint Louis Billikens and the Duquesne Dukes is more than just another basketball game; it's a test of resilience and determination. For the Billikens, it's an opportunity to rediscover the intensity and cohesion that propelled them to their early season success and secure their pathway to March Madness. For the Dukes, it's a chance to disrupt a ranked opponent and improve their tournament positioning, demonstrating that late-season grit can triumph over adversity. The outcome will undoubtedly offer valuable insights into both teams' championship aspirations and their ability to perform under pressure when it matters most.