As the college basketball season reaches its midpoint, the importance of non-conference games cannot be overstated, especially for teams teetering on the bubble. For George Washington, a win on the road against a top-20 opponent would be a monumental boost to their tournament chances, while a loss would only add to the uncertainty surrounding their postseason prospects. On the other hand, Saint Louis, currently projected as a top-4 seed, is looking to solidify its position and maintain momentum.
The Billikens, boasting a 19-1 record and a 7-0 mark in the Atlantic 10, have been nearly unstoppable, with a NET ranking of 18 and a quad record that includes two wins in Quadrant 1. Their recent form has been impressive, with three consecutive victories. According to the CHD Scout prediction, Saint Louis is favored to win by 10 points, with an 81.8% win probability, suggesting that their dominance will continue. However, it's worth noting that George Washington's quad record, although not as impressive, does include a few notable wins in Quadrant 2 and 3, which could make them a more formidable opponent than their NET ranking of 71 suggests.
For George Washington, the task at hand is clear: secure a quality win to bolster their tournament resume. With a 13-7 record and a 4-3 mark in the Atlantic 10, the Colonials are still very much in the mix, but their lack of Quadrant 1 wins is a significant concern. A win at Chaifetz Arena would not only be a significant upset but also a crucial step towards securing a postseason berth. Unfortunately, the Colonials don't have any players riding a hot streak, which could make it even tougher to pull off the upset.
CHD Scout Prediction
George Washington
74
Saint Louis
85
As the two teams take to the court, the stakes will be palpable. Saint Louis, with its high-powered offense and stingy defense, want to assert its dominance and protect its home turf. George Washington, on the other hand, must dig deep and find a way to contain the Billikens' attack. In the end, I predict Saint Louis will emerge victorious, winning by around 10 points. The Billikens' superior talent, combined with their strong recent form and the comfort of playing at home, should prove too much for the Colonials to handle. With a win, Saint Louis will take another step towards cementing its position as a top-4 seed, while George Washington will be left to regroup and refocus on its tournament aspirations.