The Benet Academy varsity basketball team (Lisle, IL) will host a conference game against Saint Viator (Arlington Heights, IL) on Friday, January 31, at 7 PM.

Benet Academy vs Saint Viator Game Info:

What: Illinois High School Basketball
Who: Benet Academy (IL) vs Saint Viator (IL)
When: Friday, January 31, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: Benet Academy vs Saint Viator

As the 2024-25 high school basketball season heats up, two formidable Illinois teams—Saint Viator and Benet Academy—are making headlines with their impressive performances. Both teams have demonstrated exceptional skill, teamwork, and resilience, setting the stage for a highly anticipated matchup.

Season Performance Overview

Saint Viator Lions (17-6, 4-1 Conference)

Ranked 88th in Illinois and 28th in their class, Saint Viator has put together an impressive season, boasting a .739 overall win percentage and an .800 conference win rate. Their balanced record across home (8-3), away (5-2), and neutral (4-1) games highlights their adaptability in different environments. With 1,237 points scored (PF) versus 996 points allowed (PA), the Lions have maintained a solid defensive stance while executing offensively.

Benet Academy Redwings (20-4, 4-1 Conference)

Benet Academy, ranked 6th in Illinois and 4th in their class, has had an even stronger season with a .833 overall win percentage and an equally dominant .800 conference record. Their ability to dominate both home (7-1) and away (5-0) games, along with an 8-3 neutral site record, underscores their versatility. The Redwings have amassed 1,563 total points while allowing 1,169, showcasing a potent offense coupled with a sturdy defense.

Scoring Breakdown

Benet Academy holds a distinct advantage in scoring, averaging 65.1 points per game compared to Saint Viator’s 53.8. The Redwings also have stronger first-quarter performances (17.0 points vs. 9.8), which often sets the tone for their games. While both teams finish strongly, Benet Academy’s higher-scoring offense could prove decisive in a head-to-head battle.

Performance Against Common Opponents

Both teams have faced eight common opponents, with Benet Academy holding a slight edge (7-1) over Saint Viator (6-2). Notably, Benet Academy secured a dominant 85-49 victory over Antioch, while Saint Viator won by a much narrower 46-41 margin. The Redwings also outperformed Saint Viator against Joliet Catholic (74-37 vs. 46-42) and Marist (74-66 vs. 53-59). However, Benet Academy’s sole loss to St. Patrick (53-49) may indicate a vulnerability that Saint Viator could exploit.

Key Takeaways and Predictions

• Offensive Prowess: Benet Academy’s higher scoring average and consistency across all four quarters make them a formidable opponent.
• Defensive Resilience: Saint Viator has demonstrated strong defensive play, keeping their total points allowed below 1,000 for the season.
• Common Opponent Edge: Benet Academy’s superior record against shared opponents suggests they may have the upper hand in a direct matchup.
• Clutch Performance: Benet’s ability to score heavily in overtime (16.0 points on average) could be a game-changer in a close contest.

Final Thoughts

While both teams have excelled this season, Benet Academy appears to have a slight edge due to their higher-scoring offense, stronger record against common opponents, and dominant road performance. However, Saint Viator’s solid defensive play and resilience in close games could lead to an upset if they can contain Benet Academy’s offensive firepower.

With both teams sitting at 4-1 in conference play, the upcoming showdown will have major implications for their postseason positioning. Expect a thrilling contest filled with high-intensity basketball as these two Illinois powerhouses clash on the court.