Atlantic 10 Basketball: Top-5 non-conference matchups for 2018-19

4 of 6

NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 09: Paul Jorgensen #5 of the Butler Bulldogs tries to drive past Jermaine Samuels #23 of the Villanova Wildcats in the first half during semifinals of the Big East Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 9, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

St. Louis vs. Butler

When: Saturday, December 1

A St. Louis team that might be the most talented A10 team on paper? Perhaps the best player entering an A10 arena all year in Butler’s Kamar Baldwin? A packed Chaifetz arena on a Saturday? This game is shaping up to be must-see television.

As a game that will be the biggest test for the Billikens, possibly the A10’s highest ceiling team, it has to be considered the biggest test for the conference as a whole. It’s the A10’s chance to stand up and make a statement against one of college basketball’s blue bloods, and they have a legitimate shot to win. For that reason alone, fans from all over the conference should be pulling for them.

In terms of excitement, I expect Chaifetz to be absolute bedlam for this one. This isn’t a Tuesday game over winter break – this is Saturday night, full-student-section primetime. Although Butler will probably be the favorite, it’s almost impossible to see the Billikens getting routed. A starting lineup that includes Javon Bess, Hasahn French, Jordan Goodwin, and #73 recruit nationally Carte’Are Gordon is no small deal, even by Big East standards. If I had to recommend any one of the 5 games in this slide to watch, this would probably be the highest priority one.

Home/Atlantic 10