The Loyola Chicago Ramblers (8-5) will be at the Athletics-Recreation Center to go head-to-head with the Valparaiso Crusaders (7-6) in a MVC matchup. Action starts at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, December 30, 2019.
Loyola Chicago Ramblers at Valparaiso Crusaders Betting Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last game. The Crusaders were beaten by the Arkansas Razorbacks, 72-68, while the Ramblers lost a tough one against the Davidson Wildcats, 59-56.
Loyola Chicago had a much better free throw rate (0.279 vs. 0.118) while Valparaiso held Arkansas to an offensive rebounding percentage of 15.0 (below their season average of 22.8). Javon Freeman-Liberty had a good performance for Valparaiso with 21 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Loyola Chicago, meanwhile, was led by Marquise Kennedy, who contributed 13 points.
The Ramblers dominated this series last year, taking all three contests. In the most recent contest, Loyola Chicago won 67-54. Loyola Chicago’s effective field goal percentage was its biggest strength over Valparaiso. The Ramblers had a rate of 0.567 while the Crusaders posted a mark of 0.397. This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
It will be a matchup of opposite styles as the up-tempo Crusaders will look to push the more half-court-oriented Ramblers. The Crusaders currently rank 49th in possessions per game while the Ramblers are 275th. Additionally, the elite offense of the Ramblers ranks seventh in effective field goal percentage (0.570), while the Crusaders are 26th-worst in the nation at effective field goal percentage allowed (0.540).
Loyola Chicago Ramblers at Valparaiso Crusaders Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Loyola Chicago, ATS Winner – Loyola Chicago, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Valparaiso ranks 108th in three pointers attempted per game (23.3) while Loyola Chicago ranks 278th (15.0).
- The Ramblers average 15.1 assists per game, which ranks 57th in the country. The Crusaders rank 139th in assists allowed per game (13.2).
- Loyola Chicago ranks 24th in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while Valparaiso ranks 78th (3.2).
- The Ramblers rank 15th in rebounds allowed per game (29.9) while the Crusaders rank 122nd (34.5).
- Valparaiso averages 8.7 steals per game, which ranks 40th in the NCAA. Loyola Chicago ranks 137th in steals allowed per game (7.1).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Crusaders have scored an average of 73.6 points per game (2.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 70.2 points per game (3.3 below their season average).
- The Ramblers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.4, up from 8.3 for the season.
