The Loyola Chicago Ramblers (14-15) visit Drake to take on the Bulldogs (6-23) in a game that has the potential to be low-scoring. Action begins at 2:00 pm ET on Saturday, Feb. 27 and will air on ES3.
The Bulldogs are hoping to rebound after their 61-52 loss to Missouri State on Wednesday. Ore Arogundade was the team’s high scorer with 16 points. The Ramblers, meanwhile, are coming off an ugly 76-54 loss to Wichita State on Wednesday. Montel James had a solid game, accounting for his sixth double-double of the season with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams square off. Drake ranks 311th in possessions per game (66.1), while Loyola Chicago is 328th (65.4).
This will be the second matchup of the season between these two teams. The Ramblers won the first game 68-63. James had a standout performance in the victory, putting up 17 points, four rebounds, one steal, and one three-pointer.
The Bulldogs have gone 6-23 Straight Up (SU) and 8-18 Against The Spread (ATS). The Bulldogs are one of the best in Division I in terms of field-goal percentage, shooting a superb .389 from beyond the arc.
On the other side, the Ramblers have 14-15 SU and 12-16 ATS records. Most recently, Loyola Chicago is a meager 3-7 ATS over the last 10 games. The Ramblers are shooting lights out from the foul line so far, with a .740 free throw percentage that ranks 36th in Division I. The Loyola Chicago defense as a whole has been firing on all cylinders so far, ranking 28th in Division I with only 64.9 points allowed per game.
Loyola Chicago won the last meeting this season between these two teams, moving its SU record against Drake to 4-1 in their most recent head-to-head meetings. However, with a 3-2 record, Drake has the advantage ATS. Drake has led in three key areas (field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers) once over the last five matchups. Loyola Chicago has never had the edge in all three categories.
Predictions: SU Winner – Ly-Il, ATS Winner – Ly-Il
Notes
“Drake is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games “.
“Drake is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games “.
“The total has gone OVER in 9 of Drake’s last 13 games “.
“Drake is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games at home”.
“Drake is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games at home”.
“The total has gone OVER in 6 of Drake’s last 7 games at home”.
“Drake is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Loyola of Chicago”.
Drake averages 67.5 points per game, placing the team just 224th in the nation. Loyola Chicago ranks 28th in points allowed, giving up 64.9 points per game.
In its last game, Loyola Chicago lost by a margin of 22 points. Drake is 2-4 in games decided by a margin of 18 points or more. Loyola Chicago has a 1-4 record in blowouts.
The Drake Bulldogs average 66.1 possessions and 1.021 points per possession in games this season. The Loyola Chicago Ramblers average fewer possessions with 65.4, as well as fewer points per possession with .984.
The Drake Bulldogs average an effective field goal percentage of 51.7% this season. The Loyola Chicago Ramblers have an abysmal record of 1-10 when opponents have an eFG% of 51.7% or greater.
On average, Drake attempts 18.0 three pointers and Loyola Chicago attempts 17.0. In games where they have 20 or more three point attempts, both have losing records. The Drake Bulldogs are 1-10 while the Loyola Chicago Ramblers are 3-6.
The Loyola Chicago defense has forced an average TO% of 22.3% this season (ranked 14th). In games where it gives up a TO% of 22% or greater, Drake has an underachieving 1-9 record.
