It will be a battle between MVC opponents when the Loyola Chicago Ramblers (7-6) welcome the Indiana State Sycamores (8-4) to the Joseph J. Gentile Center. The game gets underway at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 2, 2019.
Indiana State Sycamores vs. Loyola Chicago Ramblers ATS Prediction
The Sycamores are hoping for a better outcome after their 86-69 loss to the Ball State Cardinals in their last contest. Ball State’s free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Indiana State. The Cardinals had a rate of 0.231, while the Sycamores posted a mark of 0.164. Tyreke Key led Indiana State in scoring with 16 points on 6-for-18 shooting.
In the Ramblers’ previous outing, they won big over the UMKC Kangaroos, 76-45. The Ramblers had a much better free throw rate (0.189 vs. 0.088) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.623 vs. 0.351). Cooper Kaifes was the top scorer from either team with 19 points on 6-for-8 shooting from the field.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the last game, the Ramblers won 75-71. Loyola Chicago’s free throw rate was their biggest strength over Indiana State. The Ramblers had a rate of 0.400, while the Sycamores posted a mark of 0.220.
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Key (0 points) has been stellar for the Sycamores while Marques Townes (0 points) has made solid contributions to the Ramblers.
The offense of Indiana State will battle against the elite defense of Loyola Chicago. The Sycamores rank 174th in offensive efficiency, while the Ramblers are 17th in defensive efficiency. The Ramblers figure to have the edge on that end of the court.
Indiana State Sycamores at Loyola Chicago Ramblers Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Loyola Chicago, ATS Winner – Loyola Chicago, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Loyola Chicago ranks 36th in rebounds allowed per game (31.4) while Indiana State ranks 106th (34.5).
The Ramblers average 14.8 assists per game, which ranks 75th in the NCAA. The Sycamores rank 118th in assists allowed per game (13.3).
Indiana State ranks 97th in blocks per game (3.3) while Loyola Chicago ranks 131st in blocks allowed per game (4.1).
The Ramblers rank 234th in three pointers attempted per game (18.7) while the Sycamores rank 267th (14.1).
Bettings Trends:
The Sycamores’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.4, up from 1.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Ramblers have scored an average of 74.2 points per game (6.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 59.4 points per game (1.3 below their season average).
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