BUFFALO, N.Y. — A Midwest Region first‑round battle scheduled for Thursday night pairs No. 9 seed St. Louis against No. 8 seed Georgia at KeyBank Center, where the Billikens are looking to justify their lofty record and the Bulldogs are hoping to show SEC grit beats Atlantic 10 finesse. If you like contrast in styles — think chess match meets pickup game — this one has your name on it.
Game Info
- Matchup: St. Louis vs. Georgia
- Region: Midwest Region
- Location: KeyBank Center — Buffalo, New York
- TV: CBS
- Tip Time: 9:45 p.m. ET / 8:45 p.m. CT
- Vegas Line: Georgia by a couple points (typical range for 8/9)
St. Louis Billikens (9 Seed)
- Head Coach: Josh Schertz
- Mascot: Billikens
- Record: 28–5 (2025–26)
- Conference Tournament Result: Lost Atlantic 10 semifinal to Dayton
- Leading Scorer: Robbie Avila — ~12.9 PPG (team leader per ESPN)
- KenPom: Adj. offensive around 119.5, Adj. defensive ~107.8; balanced efficiency profile
- 3‑Point %: ~40.1% as a team (St. Louis shot a very respectable clip)
Saint Louis enjoyed a standout season in the Atlantic 10, finishing 28–5 with one of its best records in recent memory. The Billikens play an efficient offense that generates points at a high rate and guards with consistent discipline — a recipe that brought them to Buffalo. Their depth and accurate shooting from beyond the arc make them no joke, even against Power 5 competition.
Georgia Bulldogs (8 Seed)
- Head Coach: Mike White
- Mascot: Bulldogs
- Record: 22–10 (2025–26)
- Conference Tournament Result: Lost in SEC Tournament second round
- Leading Scorer: Jeremiah Wilkinson — ~17.0 PPG (team leader per ESPN)
- KenPom: Typically inside the top 35 nationally (efficient scoring, less elite defense)
- 3‑Point %: ~35%+ (season trend)
Georgia’s Bulldogs posted a strong 22–10 record in a rugged SEC slate and bring a high‑volume offense to the Dance. Led by shooting from the perimeter and a well‑balanced attack, they count on putting up quick points and spacing the floor. The SEC sometimes feels like March happens four weeks early; Georgia’s experience in close games against high‑caliber foes can pay dividends here.
Matchup Breakdown
This one’s a textbook 8/9: nearly a coin‑flip on paper with both teams capable of winning in multiple ways.
St. Louis wins if:
- They control pace and knock down open threes (they shot over 40% as a group).
- They defend without fouling — the Bulldogs like to get to the line.
Georgia wins if:
- Its perimeter shot finds rhythm and Wilkinson gets going early.
- The Bulldogs keep the scoreboard humming; their offensive pace outpaces opposing defenses.
Think of St. Louis as the efficient architect, constructing open shots with patience; Georgia is more like the flashy improviser, ready to slam a three or attack the rim in transition. That contrast should make for entertaining first half fireworks and a tight finish.
Prediction
- Pick: Georgia advances
- Projected Score: Georgia 78, St. Louis 74
Georgia’s slightly stronger overall efficiency and experience in a tougher league give it a fine‑margin edge, but don’t be surprised if the Billikens keep this one close — or even make a late run. If you’re filling out brackets, this is one where a coin flip would suffice… but call Georgia by a bucket to cover the spread based on sheer athleticism.
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