Saint Louis vs Georgia: How to Make Money Betting This Late Night CBB Play

The No. 8 seed Georgia Bulldogs (22-10) bring elite offensive firepower and SEC-honed athleticism into the matchup at KeyBank Center against the No. 9 seed Saint Louis Billikens (28-5). Georgia’s high-powered attack, averaging 89.8 points per game (5th nationally), exploits transition opportunities better than any team in the country and features multiple scoring threats capable of pulling away in a fast-paced game. Expect the Bulldogs to win by 5-8 points and comfortably cover.

Jeremiah Wilkinson leads the charge as Georgia’s sophomore guard and scoring leader at 17.0 points per game, while adding 1.6 steals to fuel the break. He pairs perfectly with junior guard Blue Cain (13.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists), whose length and playmaking create constant mismatches. Junior guard Marcus “Smurf” Millender (11.9 points, 4.0 assists) runs the show with precision, and sophomore forward Kanon Catchings (12.0 points, 4.8 rebounds) provides explosive scoring bursts that have already torched top competition in conference play. This backcourt-frontcourt mix gives Georgia multiple ways to score in the halfcourt and open floor.

Inside, sophomore center Somtochukwu “Somto” Cyril anchors the paint with 5.6 rebounds and a team-high 2.3 blocks per game, leading a unit that ranks 2nd nationally in blocks (6.1 per game). Cyril’s rim protection and finishing ability, alongside seniors Justin Abson and Justin Bailey plus juniors Dylan James and Kareem Stagg, give Georgia superior length and athleticism compared to Saint Louis. The Bulldogs’ 38.2 rebounds per game and elite two-point percentage (57.3%) allow them to control the glass and finish strong around the rim.

Saint Louis counters with an impressive 87.2 points per game and stingy defense (69.5 points allowed), led by senior center Robbie Avila (12.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists), senior guard Dion Brown (11.1 points, 5.5 rebounds), and guard Trey Green (11.1 points with elite three-point shooting). Guards Amari McCottry, Kellen Thames, and Quentin Jones add depth, while forwards Kalu Anya and Brady Dunlap provide versatility. However, the Billikens’ Atlantic 10 schedule offered less physicality and athletic testing than Georgia’s SEC gauntlet. Saint Louis has also cooled off lately, and their defensive metrics will be stretched by Georgia’s speed.

Georgia’s ability to force turnovers (8.4 steals per game) and convert them into easy transition buckets, combined with Cyril’s interior dominance over Avila, creates a clear edge. The Bulldogs’ recent form (strong close to the season) and tournament experience edge out Saint Louis’ regular-season dominance. In a projected 86-80 type game, Georgia’s superior athletes and scorers pull ahead late. Look for Wilkinson, Cain, and Catchings to combine for 45+ points while the defense limits Saint Louis’ halfcourt sets. Georgia covers the -2 spread and advances in what I’m expecting to be a blowout.