The Bradley Braves (2-15) look to end their six-game losing streak when they take on the Loyola Chicago Ramblers (7-9) at Joseph J. Gentile Center. The game starts at 7:00 pm ET on Wednesday, Jan. 13 and will air on ES3.
The Ramblers lost a tough one against Missouri State 56-54 on Saturday. Earl Peterson finished with 18 points to lead the game. The Braves are coming off an awful 67-35 loss to Evansville on Saturday. Donte Thomas had a team-high 11 points.
Half-court execution will be at a premium as Loyola Chicago ranks 329th in the nation in possessions per game (65.6 possessions per game), while Bradley is 268th (67.8). It could also be an error-filled game for the offense of the Braves, which ranks 351st in ball security (TO% of 26.6%). They’ll be going up against the gambling defense of the Ramblers, which forces the 13th-most turnovers in the nation (23.5%).
The Ramblers look to improve upon their records of 7-9 Straight Up (SU) and 4-11 Against The Spread (ATS). They are 3-7 ATS over their last 10 games. Expect Loyola Chicago to have lots of opportunities at the line against the Braves, who are one of the most foul-prone teams in the nation with an average of 23.8 fouls per game.
On the other side, the Braves head into the game with records of 5-10 ATS and 2-15 SU. Most recently, Bradley is a meager 2-7 ATS over the last 10 games.
This game marks the first time these teams will play this season. The last time these conference rivals played, Loyola Chicago won, taking the head-to-head record to an even 5-5 SU over their most recent meetings. The teams also have an even 5-5 record ATS in the most recent meetings. Loyola Chicago had the advantage in three key areas (field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers) once over the last five matchups. Bradley has never had the edge in all three categories.
Predictions: SU Winner – Ly-Il, ATS Winner – Ly-Il
Notes
Loyola of Chicago is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games.
Loyola of Chicago is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games.
Loyola of Chicago is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games at home.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Loyola of Chicago’s last 7 games when playing Bradley.
Both Loyola Chicago and Bradley stand at a winless 0-4 SU record against their conference rivals.
The Bradley Braves average 67.8 possessions per game and .801 points per possession. The Loyola Chicago Ramblers earn fewer possessions with 65.6, but they score more points with .966.
Bradley has an average effective field goal percentage of 41.1%. Loyola Chicago is a losing 5-8 when opponents have a similar or higher effective field goal percentage.
On average, Loyola Chicago makes 5.8 steals per game. Bradley is an underachieving 2-13 when it gives up at least 5 steals.
