The Norfolk State Spartans (4-7) will attempt to end their five-game road losing streak in a matchup against the Loyola Chicago Ramblers (5-5) at Joseph J. Gentile Center. The game gets underway at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 16, 2018.
Norfolk State Spartans at Loyola Chicago Ramblers Betting Prediction
In the Spartans’ last contest, they were dismantled by the No. 19 Michigan Wolverines, 63-44. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Michigan’s largest strengths. They made 29 trips to the line, while Norfolk State went just 11 times. Nic Thomas was Norfolk State’s leading scorer with nine points on 4-for-8 shooting.
The Ramblers easily got past the UMKC Kangaroos in their last game, 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 the Ramblers won the only game against the Spartans last season, 80-52, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. The Ramblers had a much better free throw rate (0.571 vs. 0.121) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.857 vs. 0.388).
Marques Townes has averaged 0 points over the last five games for Loyola Chicago.
It could be a mistake-prone game for the Loyola Chicago offense. Loyola Chicago ranks 246th in the nation in ball protection (turnover percentage of 19.9 percent), while the disruptive defense of Norfolk State forces the 80th-most turnovers in the NCAA (22.5 percent). Also, the Spartans’ 273rd-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 100.6) will square off against the Ramblers’ 48th-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 94.4).
Norfolk State at Loyola Chicago Odds Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Loyola Chicago, O/U – Over
Click Here to Start Betting Today!
Notes
Betting Notes:
Loyola Chicago ranks 45th in three pointers allowed per game (19.7) while Norfolk State ranks 230th (24.6).
The Spartans rank 38th in steals allowed per game (4.9) while the Ramblers rank 166th (7.0).
Norfolk State ranks 72nd in blocks per game (5.0) while Loyola Chicago ranks 188th in blocks allowed per game (4.6).
The Ramblers rank 126th in assists per game (13.8) while the Spartans rank 174th in assists allowed per game (12.6).
Norfolk State averages 37.3 rebounds per game, which ranks 69th in the NCAA. Loyola Chicago ranks 70th in rebounds allowed per game (32.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Spartans’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.4, up from 5.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Ramblers have scored an average of 74.2 points per game (5.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 59.4 points per game (5.4 below their season average).
*****
