Saint Louis Billikens vs. Santa Clara Broncos: College Basketball Season Opener Preview

The 2024-25 college basketball season kicks off on Monday, November 4, with an exciting matchup between the Saint Louis Billikens and the Santa Clara Broncos. This game is part of The Field of 68 Opening Day Showcase, hosted at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The tipoff is set for 3 p.m. ET, and the game will be available to watch on YouTube and the CBS Sports App.

The Saint Louis Billikens, under new head coach Josh Schertz, are looking to turn around their fortunes after a 13-20 season last year. Schertz, who led Indiana State to 32 wins and a second-place finish in the NIT last season, brings with him key transfers Robbie Avila and Isaiah Swope from Indiana State. Avila, who became an internet sensation last season, will make his debut for Saint Louis, while Swope and returning star Gibson Jimerson are expected to be pivotal in the team’s offense. Jimerson, the NCAA‘s active leader in 3-point field goals made, will be a significant factor in the Billikens’ scoring.

Santa Clara, coached by Herb Sendek, enters the season with high expectations after winning 20 games last year. The Broncos welcome back eight key rotation players, including Adama Bal, Christoph Tilly, and Jake Ensminger. Additionally, Carlos Stewart Jr., who was first-team All-WCC in 2022-23 before a brief stint at LSU, returns to the team. Santa Clara is favored by 1.5 points, with the over/under set at 159 points.

The game promises to be a high-scoring affair, given the offensive capabilities of both teams. Saint Louis averaged 75 points per game last season, while Santa Clara averaged 76.4 points. The Broncos also boast one of the tallest teams in the country, which could pose a challenge for the Billikens, especially if their best perimeter defender, Kobe Johnson, is unable to play due to a shoulder issue.

The matchup will be closely watched, with many eyes on how the new-look Billikens will perform under Schertz’s leadership and how Santa Clara’s returning players will gel with their new additions. This game is expected to be one of the best on the first day of college basketball, pitting two intriguing mid-major teams against each other.