It has been an interesting nonconference season in college basketball, to say the least. Fortunately, the vast majority of teams prevailed and were able to play several games over the last month. As the year 2020 draws to a close, conference play for Atlantic 10 basketball teams across the country is just starting to heat up. The exciting road to Brooklyn and the A10 Tournament has officially begun.
CLICK HERE for our Week 2 Fantasy Basketball Start/Sit Guide!
Atlantic 10 Basketball Headlines
All 14 Atlantic 10 basketball teams will embark on their 2020-21 conference seasons this week. With a full month of the season officially in the books, here are some of the latest headlines to note from around the league.
Saint Louis Closes Out Impressive Nonconference Schedule
There were several Atlantic 10 basketball teams that impressed during the nonconference portion of the schedule, but none more so than Saint Louis. The Billikens wrapped up a formidable (and busy) month of play last week with a convincing win over UMKC on Wednesday. This was the third and final game for SLU in a seven-day stretch with the first two coming against Power 5 competition.
The Billikens added to their impressive resume with an 11-point win over NC State on December 17. Four Saint Louis starters reached double figures scoring in the win, led by Javonte Perkins’ 20 points. 6’3 guard Jordan Goodwin played much bigger than his size against the Wolfpack, notching a 16-point, 15-rebound double-double.
Saint Louis followed up the win with a difficult road test at Minnesota. Despite another 21-point, 10-rebound double-double from Goodwin, the Billikens fell to the Golden Gophers by a slim eight-point margin. While a win would’ve undoubtedly put SLU and Atlantic 10 basketball into the AP Top 25, they ultimately received 49 votes in the latest Rankings which were released this past Sunday.
More SEC Wins
The A10 had a leg up on the SEC throughout the nonconference season. That trend continued as interleague play concluded over the past week with two more Atlantic 10 basketball teams bringing home wins over SEC competition.
Dayton clinched a sweep of both Mississippi schools last Saturday when they knocked Ole Miss by a mere three points. Both games came down to the wire, but the Flyers found a way to prevail. Jalen Crutcher was his usual phenomenal self against the Rebels, dropping 23 points, four rebounds and four assists in the game. Joining him on the north end of the 20-point threshold was Rodney Chatman, who picked up five steals to go with his 21 points.
Three days after Dayton took care of business, it was Davidson’s turn to get in on the SEC fun. The Wildcats took it to Vanderbilt last Tuesday, coming away with a 20-point victory. Hyunjung Lee was superb for Davidson, scoring 23 points, grabbing six boards, and chalking up a pair of assists, blocks, and steals as well. Guards Carter Collins and Kellan Grady added 22 and 19 points respectively in the win. Four days prior to beating Vandy, Davidson also started Atlantic 10 basketball conference play on the right foot with a road win over Rhode Island.
Richmond’s Jacob Gilyard Among National Leaders in Steals
The A10 is full of star players making an impact on the court for their teams every time out. When it comes to looking at national statistical leaders, Richmond’s Jacob Gilyard is representing Atlantic 10 basketball in a fine fashion. Entering the final week of the 2020 calendar year, Gilyard ranks second in the country in steals, averaging 4.3 thefts per contest. The 5’9″ senior guard has shown an ability to get it done at both ends of the floor.
Offensively, Gilyard has supplied the Spiders with per-game averages of 12.0 points and 6.0 assists. Consistent two-way players like Gilyard are why Richmond is the betting favorite to win the A10 heading into conference play this week.
Updated Atlantic 10 Basketball Standings
| Team | Conference Record | Overall Record |
|---|---|---|
| St. Bonaventure | 10-3 | 12-3 |
| VCU | 10-3 | 17-5 |
| Richmond | 6-3 | 13-5 |
| UMass | 6-3 | 7-5 |
| Davidson | 6-4 | 11-7 |
| George Mason | 7-6 | 11-8 |
| Dayton | 8-7 | 12-8 |
| Saint Louis | 4-4 | 11-5 |
| Duquesne | 6-7 | 7-8 |
| George Washington | 3-4 | 4-10 |
| Rhode Island | 7-9 | 10-13 |
| La Salle | 6-10 | 9-14 |
| Saint Joseph's | 2-9 | 3-14 |
| Fordham | 2-11 | 2-11 |
Upcoming Atlantic 10 Basketball Games to Note
This week sees all 14 teams involved in Atlantic 10 basketball conference play. While four teams have already played one league game, the meat of the conference season is now upon us. Here are some marquee matchups to watch as we close out the 2020 portion of the schedule and cruise into the new year.
George Mason at UMass
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 30
Time: 6 pm EST
TV Coverage: ESPN+
Richmond at Davidson
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 30
Time: 7 pm EST
TV Coverage: CBSSN
St. Bonaventure at Richmond
Date: Saturday, Jan. 2
Time: 5 pm EST
TV Coverage: CBSSN
UMass at Saint Louis
Date: Saturday, Jan. 2
Time: 6:30 pm EST
TV Coverage: NBCSN
Saint Joseph’s at Rhode Island
Date: Sunday, Jan. 3
Time: 4:30 pm EST
TV Coverage: NBCSN
