A five-game home winning streak hangs in the balance for the Illinois State Redbirds (13-9, 6-3 MVC) when they square off against the Loyola Chicago Ramblers (14-8, 7-2 MVC) at Redbird Arena. The game will air on ESPN2 at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 2, 2019.
Loyola Chicago Ramblers at Illinois State Redbirds Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Redbirds beat the Drake Bulldogs 69-55, while the Ramblers edged the UNI Panthers 61-60.
Loyola Chicago dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a great free throw rate of 0.250 (above their season average of 0.233) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 18.5 (below their season average of 18.7). UNI was 0.059 and 10.7, respectively, for those same stats. Illinois State, on the other hand, was 9-20 on three pointers (45.0 percent). They also held Drake to 6-23 (26.1 percent). Milik Yarbrough fueled Illinois State with 17 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Cameron Krutwig, meanwhile had a good outing for Loyola Chicago, finishing with 22 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.
In their first matchup this season, Krutwig led the Ramblers to a 67-64 victory. He produced 13 points and eight rebounds. Loyola Chicago had a much better turnover percentage (10.9 vs. 19.4). Illinois State, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (25.9 vs. 14.8).
It might be a tough game for Illinois State on the offensive glass. The Redbirds are among the nation’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking 292nd in offensive rebounding percentage at 24.9 percent. Meanwhile, Loyola Chicago ranks first in the nation at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 79.8 percent.
Loyola Chicago Ramblers at Illinois State Redbirds Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Illinois State, ATS Winner – Illinois State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Loyola Chicago ranks fourth in rebounds allowed per game (29.1) while Illinois State ranks 191st (36.1).
- The Ramblers average 14.4 assists per game, which ranks 89th in the country. The Redbirds rank 169th in assists allowed per game (14.0).
- The Redbirds rank 109th in three pointers attempted per game (23.6) while the Ramblers rank 275th (17.0).
- Illinois State ranks 10th in blocks allowed per game (2.2) while Loyola Chicago ranks 139th (3.8).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Redbirds have scored an average of 70.0 points per game (1.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.0 points per game (5.8 below their season average).
- The Ramblers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.2, down from 6.3 for the season.
