It will be a battle between MVC opponents when the Loyola Chicago Ramblers (9-7, 2-1 MVC) welcome the Illinois State Redbirds (9-7, 2-1 MVC) to the Joseph J. Gentile Center. The game will air on ESPN2 at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 12, 2019.
Illinois State Redbirds at Loyola Chicago Ramblers Free Prediction
The last time the Redbirds played, they defeated the UNI Panthers, 70-69. Illinois State’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over UNI. The Redbirds had a rate of 15.6 (better than their season average of 15.7), while the Panthers posted a mark of 18.6. Phil Fayne had a good outing for Illinois State, putting up 19 points and seven rebounds.
The Ramblers lost big to the Evansville Aces in their last matchup, 67-48. Evansville’s effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Loyola Chicago. The Aces had a rate of 0.608 (above their season average of 0.489), while the Ramblers posted a mark of 0.382 (below their season average of 0.571). With 13 points, Loyola Chicago’s Franklin Agunanne put together a solid performance.
After the Ramblers won all three matchups against the Redbirds last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent game, Loyola Chicago won 65-49. The Ramblers had a much better free throw rate (0.226 vs. 0.030) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.500 vs. 0.356).
Loyola Chicago appears to have the edge on the offensive side of the ball. The Ramblers rank 34th in effective field goal percentage (0.559), while Illinois State ranks 189th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.500). Furthermore, the Redbirds rank 298th in offensive rebounding percentage (25.3 percent), while the Ramblers rank first in defensive rebounding percentage (80.1 percent).
Illinois State at Loyola Chicago Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Loyola Chicago, ATS Winner – Loyola Chicago, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Loyola Chicago ranks 19th in rebounds allowed per game (30.8) while Illinois State ranks 214th (38.1).
The Redbirds rank 95th in three pointers attempted per game (24.2) while the Ramblers rank 240th (18.4).
Illinois State ranks 12th in blocks allowed per game (2.1) while Loyola Chicago ranks 112th (3.8).
The Ramblers rank 77th in assists per game (14.8) while the Redbirds rank 177th in assists allowed per game (14.6).
Bettings Trends:
The Redbirds have outscored opponents by an average of 0.2 points in their last five games. On the season, Illinois State has lost by an average of 1.1 points.
During their last five games, the Ramblers have scored an average of 65.8 points per game (2.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 55.4 points per game (5.5 below their season average).
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