In their final home game of the season, the Bradley Braves (4-21) host the Loyola Chicago Ramblers (11-13) at Carver Arena. The game starts at 8:00 pm ET on Wednesday, Feb. 10 and can be seen on ES3.
The Braves come into this game hoping to repeat their last performance, topping Indiana State 63-58 on Saturday. Donte Thomas was the game’s leading scorer with 18 points on 7-for-12 shooting. The Ramblers, meanwhile, are coming off a 73-59 win over Southern Illinois on Saturday. Montel James played well and claimed his fourth double-double of the season, recording 18 points and 11 rebounds.
Over the last five games, James has been on a tear for the Ramblers. During that stretch, he has averaged 17.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 0.8 steals, and 1.2 blocks.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams square off. Bradley ranks 306th in possessions per game (66.6), while Loyola Chicago is 336th (65.2).
This will be the second matchup of the season between these two teams. The Braves won the first game 54-53. Luuk van Bree was a standout player in the game, producing 14 points, five rebounds, three assists, one block, and two three-pointers.
The Braves have gone 4-21 Straight Up (SU) and 10-13 Against The Spread (ATS). Bradley has averaged 64.5 points per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 55.2.
On the other side, the Ramblers have 11-13 SU and 8-15 ATS records. During the last 10 games, they averaged 53.5 PPG, below their 64.7 PPG season average. Loyola Chicago is one of the top foul-shooting teams in the nation, making .746 of their shots from the line. Shifting to the other side of the court, the Ramblers allow just 65.4 points per game, ranking them 34th in the nation. The Ramblers are in for a physical game against Bradley. The Braves are not afraid to send opponents to the free throw line, averaging 23.1 fouls per game.
Following the Braves’ latest win over Loyola Chicago, the two teams’ head-to-head record is now an even 5-5 SU in their most recent games. They are also even ATS in their most recent games (5-5). When it comes to field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers, Loyola Chicago held the edge in all three of these categories once in the last five meetings. Bradley never did so in those games.
Predictions: SU Winner – Ly-Il, ATS Winner – Ly-Il
Notes
Bradley averages 55.2 points per game, placing the team just 254th in the nation. Loyola Chicago ranks 34th in points allowed, giving up 65.4 points per game.
Loyola Chicago scores just 57.1 points per away game (ranked 251st). Bradley ranks 57th in points allowed at home, giving up 63.9 points.
The Bradley Braves average a field goal percentage of 37.1% this season. The Loyola Chicago Ramblers have a subpar record of 7-11 when opponents have a FG% of 37.1% or greater.
On average, the Bradley Braves attempt 18.0 three point field goals per game and the Loyola Chicago Ramblers attempt 17.0. In games where they attempt at least 20 threes, both teams have losing records; Bradley is 1-10 and Loyola Chicago is 2-5.
The Loyola Chicago defense has forced an average TO% of 22.8% this season (ranked 18th). In games where it gives up a TO% of 23% or greater, Bradley has an abysmal 1-13 record.
