As the college basketball season reaches its midway point, the Atlantic 10 conference is heating up, with several teams vying for a spot in the NCAA Tournament. For Duquesne, a home matchup against Saint Louis on January 20 presents a golden opportunity to pick up a much-needed quality win. The Dukes, currently sitting at 160 in the NET rankings, have struggled against top-tier opponents, boasting an 0-2 record in Quad 1 games and 1-3 in Quad 2 contests. A win over the 22nd-ranked Billikens would not only be a significant upset but also a crucial addition to their tournament resume.
Saint Louis, on the other hand, is cruising through the season with an impressive 18-1 record, including a perfect 6-0 mark in conference play. The Billikens' strong performance has them projected as a top-4 seed in the NCAA Tournament, with a stellar Quad 1 record of 2-0 and an unblemished 9-0 mark in Quad 4 games. Their recent form has been equally impressive, with a current three-game win streak. According to the CHD Scout prediction, Saint Louis is favored to win by 10.3 points, with Duquesne's win probability sitting at 17.5%.
CHD Scout Prediction
Saint Louis
86
Duquesne
75
While Duquesne's recent form has been inconsistent, with a win-loss-loss record in their last three games, they must be at the top of their game to take down the high-flying Billikens. The Dukes will likely rely on their home-court advantage at the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse to fuel their upset bid. However, with the odds stacked against them, it's difficult to envision a scenario where Duquesne emerges victorious.
Given the Billikens' dominance and the Dukes' struggles against top opponents, I predict Saint Louis will win this matchup by a margin of around 10 points. The Billikens' potent offense, combined with their stout defense, will likely prove too much for Duquesne to handle. While an upset would be a monumental boost to the Dukes' tournament hopes, it seems unlikely, and Saint Louis will likely continue their winning ways, further solidifying their position as a top seed in the NCAA Tournament.