It will be a contest between two tremendous defenses when the Valparaiso Crusaders (13-11, 6-5 MVC) challenge the Loyola Chicago Ramblers (15-9, 8-3 MVC) at Athletics-Recreation Center. Action begins at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 10, 2019, and can be seen on ESPNU.
Loyola Chicago Ramblers at Valparaiso Crusaders Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Crusaders defeated the Illinois State Redbirds 69-53, while the Ramblers easily got past the Drake Bulldogs 86-64.
Loyola Chicago dominated every stat category in the game. They had a solid free throw rate of 0.250 (above their season average of 0.234) and a turnover percentage of 7.2 (better than their season average of 18.4). Drake had marks of 0.098 and 18.2, respectively, for those same stats. The Crusaders, on the other hand, held the Redbirds to an offensive rebounding percentage of 10.7 (below their season average of 24.8) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.600 (above their season average of 0.516). Javon Freeman-Liberty had a solid performance for Valparaiso, finishing with 27 points and five rebounds. Meanwhile, Loyola Chicago rallied around Marques Townes, who put up 32 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
In their first matchup this year, Lucas Williamson led the Ramblers to a 71-54 win. He produced 11 points and seven rebounds. The Ramblers’ 18.2 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over the Crusaders, who had a mark of 12.0.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when a pair of the country’s slowest-paced teams square off. Valparaiso ranks 314th in possessions per game (66.4) and Loyola Chicago is 345th (64.2).
Loyola Chicago vs. Valparaiso Betting Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Valparaiso, ATS Winner – Valparaiso, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Valparaiso ranks 42nd in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while Loyola Chicago ranks 151st (3.9).
- The Crusaders rank 251st in three pointers attempted per game (19.0) while the Ramblers rank 277th (17.3).
- The Ramblers rank third in rebounds allowed per game (29.0) while the Crusaders rank 71st (33.0).
- Loyola Chicago ranks 101st in steals per game (6.5) while Valparaiso ranks 149th in steals allowed per game (6.8).
Bettings Trends:
- The Ramblers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.0, down from 6.4 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Crusaders have scored an average of 57.6 points per game (11.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 62.4 points per game (3.9 below their season average).
