The Atlantic 10 Tournament quarterfinal between the Saint Louis Billikens and the George Washington Revolutionaries on March 13, 2026, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh delivered the high-stakes drama and razor-thin margins that make March college basketball so captivating. Entering the contest, the No. 1 seed Billikens (27–4, 15–3 A-10) were widely favored, boasting the nation’s most efficient offense and a roster built for deep tournament runs. But the No. 9 seed Revolutionaries (18–14, 8–10 A-10), fresh off a gritty win over Fordham, weren’t about to let seeding dictate the narrative.
Fans and analysts circled this matchup for good reason. Saint Louis, under the guidance of head coach Josh Schertz, arrived rested after a double-bye, but also with the sting of a heavy regular-season finale loss to George Mason still fresh. Meanwhile, George Washington carried the battle-tested confidence of a team that had already survived elimination, having built a 24-point lead over Fordham only to withstand a furious comeback and hold on for a 66–62 victory.
The Billikens’ offense had been the talk of the league all season. Averaging a staggering 87.8 points per game, they led Division I basketball in three-point shooting at 40.5% and racked up an average scoring margin of +18.7. Their perimeter shooting, featuring 11 made threes per game, was headlined by standout center Robbie Avila—a player who had already etched his name in the season’s lore by sinking the go-ahead three-pointer in a 79–76 win over George Washington back in January.
Yet, that offensive machine sputtered in the regular season’s final game, as Saint Louis shot just 17% from beyond the arc in an 86–57 defeat to George Mason. The big question: would the Billikens rediscover their rhythm in Pittsburgh, or would recent struggles open the door for an upset?
George Washington, for their part, averaged a healthy 82.1 points per game and nearly 10 three-pointers per outing. Their offense, while not quite as explosive as Saint Louis, mirrored the Billikens in style and tempo. Christian Jones and Rafael Castro were instrumental in the prior round, combining for 35 points against Fordham—Jones with 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals, Castro adding 15 points and timely baskets down the stretch.
As the quarterfinal tipped off, both teams leaned into their strengths. The opening minutes saw a flurry of substitutions and quick scoring, with Robbie Avila making his presence known early. He knocked down multiple jump shots, including three-pointers from 23, 24, and 25 feet, showcasing the range that made him a matchup nightmare. Kellen Thames and Trey Green also contributed key buckets, as the Billikens looked to establish their offensive pace.
But the Revolutionaries were undeterred. Christian Jones attacked the rim with confidence, converting layups and drawing fouls. Rafael Castro was relentless on the glass, notching offensive rebounds and second-chance points. Jean Aranguren and Trey Autry added scoring punch, with Autry connecting on several three-point attempts, including a deep shot off a Jones assist that kept George Washington within striking distance.
The first half unfolded as a chess match, with both coaches employing frequent substitutions to keep legs fresh and match up against opposing scorers. Timeout strategy came into play as momentum swung back and forth—each team calling for 30-second and full timeouts to regroup after scoring runs or defensive lapses. The crowd, sensing the stakes, responded to every big shot and defensive stop with mounting intensity.
Saint Louis leaned on its depth and offensive execution. Amari McCottry and Dion Brown provided timely contributions, with Brown particularly active in the closing minutes. The Billikens’ ability to get to the free-throw line proved crucial, especially as the Revolutionaries ramped up defensive pressure. Avila, Thames, and Green all converted from the stripe, helping Saint Louis maintain a slim edge.
George Washington, however, refused to fade. Jones continued to attack, Castro worked the paint, and Autry’s hot hand from deep kept the Revolutionaries within a single possession. The play-by-play log reads like a thriller: Jones layup, Avila jumper, Castro free throws, Thames dunk, and a barrage of three-point attempts from both sides. Each possession felt like it could tilt the balance.
With under a minute left, the game was very much in the balance. Dion Brown stepped to the line and calmly knocked down two critical free throws, extending the Billikens’ lead. George Washington answered with a quick layup from Trey Autry, but time was running short. A flurry of substitutions and tactical fouls followed, as both teams sought to maximize every second.
Robbie Avila, true to form, delivered a clutch jump shot from nine feet out with under 40 seconds remaining, giving Saint Louis a bit of breathing room. But the Revolutionaries kept the pressure on, forcing turnovers and converting at the line. Ishan Sharma hit key free throws for George Washington, and Jones nearly pulled his team even with a late three-point attempt. In the dying seconds, a defensive rebound by Dion Brown and a final pair of free throws iced the game for the Billikens.
When the horn sounded, it was Saint Louis who advanced, but not without a fight. The final margin reflected the razor-thin difference between these two teams—a testament to the Revolutionaries’ resilience and the Billikens’ ability to execute under pressure. The official box score confirmed the stars: Avila led Saint Louis in scoring, with Thames, Green, and Brown all making vital contributions. For George Washington, Jones and Castro were relentless, and Autry’s shooting kept the Revolutionaries’ hopes alive until the final moments.
Looking at the broader context, this game was more than just a quarterfinal win for Saint Louis. Under Josh Schertz, the Billikens have transformed into a perennial Atlantic 10 contender, their offensive identity now firmly established. For George Washington, the loss stings, but the tournament run showcased a program on the rise—one capable of pushing the league’s elite to the brink.
For fans, the game encapsulated everything that makes March basketball special: underdog grit, star performances, and the ever-present chance that a single shot can reshape a season. Saint Louis now marches on, eyeing a deeper run and perhaps a shot at NCAA Tournament glory. George Washington, meanwhile, leaves Pittsburgh knowing they gave the top seed all it could handle—a performance that will surely resonate as the program builds for the future.