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Saint Louis (23-1) vs Loyola Chicago (6-19)
- When: Feb 13 2026, 8:30 PM
- Where: Joseph J. Gentile Arena, Chicago, IL, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN2
(18) Saint Louis vs Loyola Chicago Preview & Prediction
Spread: Saint Louis -19.0
Moneyline: Saint Louis (-3000)
Total: 155.0
Saint Louis Billikens Betting Preview
No. 18 Saint Louis is not just winning games, it is suffocating opponents and then burying them in transition. The Billikens bring a 17 game heater into this matchup and the formula has been simple: lock you down, rebound, and run.
They flexed that identity in their latest win, flipping a tight first half into a second half avalanche by drilling 10 triples after the break. But the real engine is defense. Saint Louis ranks first nationally in field goal percentage defense and sits near the top in fast break production. Stops turn into easy buckets. Good shots allow them to set up defensively. It feeds itself.
Offensively, balance is the strength. Five players average double figures, with Robbie Avila leading the way and orchestrating from the interior. His ability to facilitate in the two man game creates constant pressure on rotating defenses. When this team is humming, it is efficient from deep and elite in effective field goal percentage.
From a betting standpoint, laying 19 is a big number, but Saint Louis has consistently created separation because of defensive dominance. If they dictate tempo early and force turnovers into transition, this could get lopsided fast.
Loyola Chicago Ramblers Betting Preview
Loyola Chicago has endured a rough season filled with injuries and inconsistency. The Ramblers have struggled to string together offensive production and are coming off another double digit defeat.
Miles Rubin has been a bright spot inside, providing scoring and rebounding stability. However, the Ramblers’ offense has been unreliable, especially when their perimeter options go quiet. When forced into half court sets against disciplined defenses, they have had trouble generating efficient looks.
Loyola has shown effort and competitiveness, but the results have not followed. Against a team that thrives on defensive pressure and transition scoring, protecting the ball and controlling pace becomes critical. If Loyola allows this game to speed up, it could snowball quickly.
Betting Outlook & Score Prediction
Saint Louis owns advantages in efficiency, depth, and defensive intensity. Loyola would need to slow the game down and win the rebounding battle just to keep this within striking distance.
The number is heavy, but the Billikens’ ability to create runs off stops makes them dangerous as a large favorite. Expect Saint Louis to control the second half and stretch the margin.
Final Score: Saint Louis 86, Loyola Chicago 63
Lean: Saint Louis -19.0
Total: Under 155.0
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
