Game Information
Saint Louis Billikens (2-0) vs Lindenwood Lions (1-1)
Time: 7pm CT Monday
How to watch: ESPN+
DraftKings Odds
Spread: SLU -24.5
Total: 164.5
KenPom Projection
SLU 91, Lindenwood 67
Local Squads Square Off
It’s a St. Louis area showdown on Monday night when the Lindenwood Lions make the drive from St. Charles to Chaifetz Arena to take on the Saint Louis University Billikens.
It’s the first ever regular season meeting between the two schools.
SLU Looking For Better Defensive Effort
The Billikens are 2-0 on the season, but with 15 turnovers committed in each game, there have been stretches of sloppy play that they are looking to clean up. SLU will also be looking for a better defensive performance after allowing 86 points to a bad Chicago State team last time out.
The Billikens’ impressive offensive depth has been on full display in the early going, as six players are averaging double figures led by Robbie Avila and his 16.5 points per game.
Lions Look For Upset
Lindenwood has split its first two games of the season. The Lions opened up the campaign with a 98-60 blowout loss at #10 Texas Tech, followed by a 116-51 win over Health Sciences & Pharmacy in St. Louis (yes, they have a basketball team).
Lindenwood is ranked 333rd out of 365 Division One teams according to KenPom.
My Lean
I think this is a good spot for SLU to play well and cover. It’s always nice to get a win while having lots of things to work on, and that’s exactly what happened in the Billikens’ 108-86 victory over Chicago State last time out. Head coach Josh Schertz was rightfully not happy with many aspects of his team’s performance and effort, and I’m confident his players got the message and will respond against the Lions.
KenPom has Lindenwood tabbed as the 349th best offensive team in the country, so if the Billikens show sustained defensive intensity, they should be able to lock this team down. Combine that with SLU’s scoring depth and efficient offense, and I expect the Billikens to do enough to cover this big number.
Lean: SLU -24.5 at -105 on DraftKings
Eric Sontag hosts Domesticated Gamblers every Wednesday night on the STL Sports Central YouTube channel. Follow him on X @GamblingDads, and click here for his daily picks on all of our St. Louis area sports teams. Get Eric's picks for all sports by following him in the Action Network app with the username "esontag". Disclaimer