
Sat Jan 10 16:30:00 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Saint Louis Billikens Snap VCU Rams’ Streak in Atlantic 10 Showdown
The Story
The Saint Louis Billikens defeated the VCU Rams 71-62 on Wednesday, powered by Kellen Thames’ strong performance off the bench. Thames scored 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, leading the Billikens to their eighth consecutive victory. VCU, led by Terrence Hill Jr.’s 17 points, saw their five-game winning streak come to an end. Saint Louis established an early lead and ultimately secured the win with a late 3-pointer from Amari McCottry.
Key Points
- Saint Louis defeated VCU 71-62.
- Kellen Thames led Saint Louis with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
- VCU’s Terrence Hill Jr. scored 17 points.
- The win marked Saint Louis’ eighth consecutive victory.
- VCU’s five-game winning streak was broken.
- Saint Louis took the lead for good with 2:17 left in the second half.
Critical Analysis
The historical context reveals a previous Saint Louis victory at the Siegel Center in January 10, 2026. This suggests that Saint Louis has developed a competitive edge against VCU, particularly away from home, despite the home court advantage typically enjoyed by the Rams.
Key Takeaways
- Saint Louis is demonstrating consistent performance within the Atlantic 10 Conference, with a strong winning streak and a previous win at VCU.
- Kellen Thames’ emergence as a key player off the bench significantly impacted this game’s outcome.
- VCU’s inability to maintain their winning streak highlights potential inconsistencies or vulnerabilities within their team.
- Saint Louis is now 2-0 in the Atlantic 10 Conference.
- VCU is now 2-1 in the Atlantic 10 Conference.
Impact Analysis
Saint Louis’ victory strengthens their position in the Atlantic 10 Conference and could have a positive impact on their seeding for the conference tournament. VCU’s loss, while ending their streak, serves as a potential learning opportunity and a chance to recalibrate their strategy for future conference games. The repeated wins by Saint Louis against VCU could develop into a significant rivalry over the coming seasons, affecting recruiting and fan engagement for both universities.