ST. LOUIS (Interstat) — The surging Saint Louis Billikens, off to one of their best starts in recent seasons, will look to continue their momentum when they host the struggling Central Michigan Chippewas in a nonconference men’s basketball game Sunday at Chaifetz Arena. Saint Louis (7-1) has won seven of its first eight games, its lone loss a narrow 78-77 defeat to Stanford on Nov. 28. The Billikens are coming off a dominant 91-70 road victory at Loyola Marymount on Tuesday, where they shot 54% from the field. Guard Quentin Jones has been a catalyst, averaging 9.0 points and 3.1 assists per game. He is coming off a 16-point, 7-assist performance against Loyola Marymount. Central Michigan (3-5) seeks to steady itself after losing four of its last five games. The Chippewas fell 83-72 at Loyola Chicago on Tuesday despite 21 points from guard Rodney Johnson. Johnson has been a bright spot, leading the team with 11.0 points per game and coming off his season-high scoring effort. His consistency will be critical against a stout Saint Louis defense. The Billikens have showcased a balanced and efficient offense, scoring 80 or more points in five games. Alongside Jones, transfers Trey Green (14.9 ppg) and Robbie Avila (12.4 ppg) provide significant scoring punch. Central Michigan has struggled defensively, allowing 90 points in three of its five losses. This matchup marks the first meeting between the programs since 2019. Saint Louis will aim to protect its home court, where it is 4-0 this season, while Central Michigan looks for a signature road win to reverse its early-season fortunes. Following this game, Saint Louis hosts San Francisco on Dec. 13. Central Michigan travels to face Stony Brook on Dec. 13. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. CST Sunday.