Rhode Island Rams Upset Saint Louis Billikens 81-76
Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Thomas M. Ryan Center
Rhode Island Rams 81, Saint Louis Billikens 76, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Saint Louis Billikens vs Rhode Island Rams?
Rhode Island Rams beat Saint Louis Billikens 81-76 at Thomas M. Ryan Center on February 17, 2026.
Who was favored in Saint Louis Billikens vs Rhode Island Rams?
Saint Louis Billikens were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -550 (about 85% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup at the Thomas M. Ryan Center, the Rhode Island Rams pulled off an impressive upset against the Saint Louis Billikens, winning 81-76. This victory is particularly noteworthy as it marks a significant turnaround for the Rams, who had been struggling with a recent two-game losing streak before this game.
The Rams entered the contest with a home record of 15-11 and had been averaging 72.0 points scored while allowing 71.5 points per game over their last ten outings. Despite their recent form showing a mixed record of 5-5 in their last ten games, they demonstrated resilience and determination on their home court. Their last five games had seen them average 72.0 points scored and 74.8 points allowed, indicating a need for improvement on the defensive end.
On the other hand, the Billikens came into the game with an impressive away record of 24-2 and were riding a ten-game winning streak, averaging 86.8 points scored and allowing just 67.6 points during that stretch. Their last five games showcased their offensive prowess, with an average of 88.0 points scored and 69.2 points allowed. This made them formidable opponents, but the Rams were able to rise to the occasion.
The previous meeting between these two teams took place on February 22, 2025, where the Rams fell to the Billikens 66-81. This history added a layer of motivation for Rhode Island as they aimed to turn the tables in front of their home crowd.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but the teams' overall performance suggests that both sides were able to field their best players for this crucial encounter. The conditions at the Thomas M. Ryan Center were conducive to an exciting game, with a lively crowd supporting the Rams.
The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had the Billikens favored by 9.5 points, with a total set at 151.5. The odds reflected the Billikens' strong season and recent form, but the Rams' performance in this game defied those expectations.
As the game unfolded, the Rams maintained a narrow lead, showcasing their ability to execute under pressure. The scoring plays highlighted key moments, including free throws by Myles Corey and Tyler Cochran that helped secure the victory in the closing minutes. The Rams' defense tightened when it mattered most, preventing the Billikens from capitalizing on their offensive strengths.
Fans watching the game would have noted the intensity and competitiveness displayed by both teams, with the Rams demonstrating grit and determination to overcome their recent challenges. The victory not only boosts the Rams' confidence but also serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of college basketball.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | SLU -9.5 | 151.5 o -108 / u -112 | Saint Louis Billikens -550 · Rhode Island Rams +410 |
Leaders
- PointsJonah Hinton29Rhode Island Rams
- AssistsRJ Johnson8Rhode Island Rams
- ReboundsKeeyan Itejere9Rhode Island Rams
- PointsRobbie Avila21Saint Louis Billikens
- AssistsAmari McCottry5Saint Louis Billikens
- ReboundsDion Brown6Saint Louis Billikens
Recent form
Rhode Island Rams
Last 10: 5-5Streak L272 scored · 71.5 allowed per game2-3 at home
- L66-70vs Fordham RamsFeb 14
- L70-75at George Washington RevolutionariesFeb 11
- W82-77vs Richmond SpidersFeb 7
- L61-76at Duquesne DukesFeb 1
- W81-76at Dayton FlyersJan 28
- W74-65vs George Mason PatriotsJan 24
- W69-68at Richmond SpidersJan 22
- L75-84vs VCU RamsJan 14
- W70-45at Davidson WildcatsJan 10
- L72-79vs La Salle ExplorersJan 8
Saint Louis Billikens
Last 10: 10-0Streak W1086.8 scored · 67.6 allowed per game5-0 away
- W86-59at Loyola Chicago RamblersFeb 14
- W82-58vs La Salle ExplorersFeb 7
- W91-82at Davidson WildcatsFeb 4
- W102-71vs Dayton FlyersJan 31
- W79-76vs George Washington RevolutionariesJan 28
- W97-62at St. Bonaventure BonniesJan 23
- W81-77at Duquesne DukesJan 21
- W88-63vs Richmond SpidersJan 17
- W78-56vs Fordham RamsJan 15
- W84-72at La Salle ExplorersJan 10
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Louis | 29-6 | - | 15-3 |
| VCU | 28-8 | - | 15-3 |
| Saint Joseph's | 24-12 | 2 | 13-5 |
| Dayton | 25-12 | 3 | 12-6 |
| George Mason | 23-10 | 4 | 11-7 |
| Davidson | 20-14 | 5 | 10-8 |
| Duquesne | 18-15 | 6 | 9-9 |
| George Washington | 19-16 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Fordham | 17-15 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Rhode Island | 16-16 | 8 | 7-11 |
| Richmond | 15-17 | 10 | 5-13 |
| La Salle | 9-23 | 10 | 5-13 |
| St. Bonaventure | 17-17 | 11 | 4-14 |
| Loyola Chicago | 9-24 | 11 | 4-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Saint Louis Billikens | Rhode Island Rams |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-54 | 23-56 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 41 |
| Three-pointers | 8-21 | 12-29 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 41 |
| Free throws | 20-26 | 23-27 |
| Free throw % | 77 | 85 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 33 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 28 | 24 |
| Assists | 11 | 14 |
| Steals | 11 | 7 |
| Blocks | 4 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 18 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 28 |
| Fast-break points | 16 | 19 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 20 |
| Fouls | 21 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 8 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 5 | 91 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half45-48Dion Brown makes layup (Ishan Sharma assists)
- 2nd Half45-51Tyler Cochran makes 23-foot three point jumper (RJ Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half48-51Ishan Sharma makes 26-foot three point jumper (Dion Brown assists)
- 2nd Half48-52Jalen Harper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-53Jalen Harper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-53Ishan Sharma makes 24-foot three point jumper (Quentin Jones assists)
- 2nd Half53-53Dion Brown makes layup
- 2nd Half53-55Jalen Harper makes layup
- 2nd Half53-56Jalen Harper makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half53-58RJ Johnson makes layup (Jalen Harper assists)
- 2nd Half54-58Amari McCottry makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-58Kellen Thames makes layup
- 2nd Half56-59Alex Crawford makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-60Alex Crawford makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-60Amari McCottry makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-60Amari McCottry makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-62Tyler Cochran makes layup (Jonah Hinton assists)
- 2nd Half58-65Jonah Hinton makes 31-foot three point jumper (RJ Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half60-65Quentin Jones makes 2-foot dunk (Robbie Avila assists)
- 2nd Half60-68RJ Johnson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jalen Harper assists)
- 2nd Half61-68Robbie Avila makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-68Robbie Avila makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-68Dion Brown makes layup
- 2nd Half67-68Trey Green makes 29-foot three point jumper (Robbie Avila assists)
- 2nd Half67-69Keeyan Itejere makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-71Tyler Cochran makes layup
- 2nd Half67-72Tyler Cochran makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half69-72Robbie Avila makes layup
- 2nd Half69-73Tyler Cochran makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-74Myles Corey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-75Myles Corey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-76Myles Corey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-77Myles Corey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-77Robbie Avila makes 27-foot three point jumper (Amari McCottry assists)
- 2nd Half74-77Quentin Jones makes layup
- 2nd Half76-77Robbie Avila makes layup (Amari McCottry assists)
- 2nd Half76-78Myles Corey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-79Myles Corey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-80Tyler Cochran makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-81Tyler Cochran makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Rhode Island Rams, below favours Saint Louis Billikens.
Venue
- Thomas M. Ryan CenterKingston, RI
- Attendance5331
- OfficialsA.J. Desai, Greg Evans, Tommy Morrissey
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond