The Valparaiso Crusaders (15-17, 8-11 MVC) face off against the Loyola Chicago Ramblers (19-12, 12-6 MVC) in the Missouri Valley Conference Tourney at Enterprise Center. The game is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. ET on Friday, March 8, 2019.
Valparaiso Crusaders vs. Loyola Chicago Ramblers Betting Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Ramblers defeated the Bradley Braves 81-68, while the Crusaders had no trouble getting past the Indiana State Sycamores 77-55.
Valparaiso played a perfect game. They had an extraordinary free throw rate of 0.379 (above their season average of 0.232) and a turnover percentage of 9.1 (better than their season average of 18.0). For those same stats, Indiana State was 0.121 and 17.4, respectively. The Ramblers, on the other hand, made 20 of their 23 free throws (87.0 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.663 (above their season average of 0.555). Loyola Chicago rallied around Marques Townes, who contributed 26 points. Meanwhile, Javon Freeman-Liberty had a solid performance for Valparaiso, contributing 17 points and seven rebounds.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the country’s slowest-paced teams battle. Loyola Chicago currently ranks 349th in possessions per game (63.0) and Valparaiso is 306th (66.4). Furthermore, the 267th-ranked offense of the Crusaders (offensive efficiency of 101.2) will battle against the 40th-ranked defense of the Ramblers (defensive efficiency of 96.4).
Valparaiso Crusaders vs. Loyola Chicago Ramblers ATS Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Loyola Chicago, ATS Winner – Loyola Chicago, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Valparaiso ranks 212th in rebounds per game (33.8) while Loyola Chicago ranks 287th (29.7).
- The Crusaders rank 274th in three pointers attempted per game (17.8) while the Ramblers rank 289th (16.5).
- The Ramblers average 6.4 steals per game, which ranks 113th in the nation. The Crusaders rank 163rd in steals allowed per game (6.9).
- Valparaiso averages 3.0 blocks per game, which ranks 125th in the country. Loyola Chicago ranks 155th in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Ramblers have scored an average of 64.2 points per game (2.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 61.8 points per game (0.9 above their season average).
- The Crusaders have been outscored by an average of 2.6 points in their last five games. On the season, Valparaiso has defeated opponents by an average of 1.0 point.
