The Loyola Chicago Ramblers (8-6, 1-0 MVC) will be at the Knapp Center to meet the Drake Bulldogs (11-3, 0-1 MVC) in a MVC matchup. Action gets underway at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019.
Loyola Chicago Ramblers at Drake Bulldogs ATS Odds
Both teams easily got past their last opponent. The Bulldogs defeated the Buena Vista Beavers 98-52, while the Ramblers beat the UMKC Kangaroos 76-45.
Loyola Chicago played a nearly flawless game. They had a free throw rate of 0.189 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.623. For those same stats, UMKC recorded marks of 0.088 and 0.351, respectively. Meanwhile, Drake dominated nearly every facet of their game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.629 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 41.2. For those same stats, Buena Vista was 0.286 and 25.5, respectively. Drake rallied around Nick Norton, who contributed 17 points, five rebounds and five assists. Cooper Kaifes, meanwhile played a pivotal role for Loyola Chicago with 19 points.
The Ramblers dominated this series last year, taking both games. In the most recent contest, Loyola Chicago won 72-57. Loyola Chicago’s effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over Drake. The Ramblers had a rate of 0.567 while the Bulldogs posted a mark of 0.385. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Marques Townes has been impressive as of late for Loyola Chicago, averaging 0 points over the last five games.
It will be a showdown of conflicting styles as the up-tempo Bulldogs will look to push the more half-court-oriented Ramblers. The Bulldogs currently rank 51st in possessions per game while the Ramblers are 308th.
Loyola Chicago Ramblers vs. Drake Bulldogs Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Loyola Chicago, ATS Winner – Loyola Chicago, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Drake ranks 36th in three pointers attempted per game (27.0) while Loyola Chicago ranks 239th (18.9).
- The Ramblers rank 84th in steals per game (7.0) while the Bulldogs rank 167th in steals allowed per game (8.1).
- Drake ranks 14th in assists per game (17.6) while Loyola Chicago ranks 63rd (15.1).
- The Ramblers rank 23rd in rebounds allowed per game (30.9) while the Bulldogs rank 152nd (35.9).
- Drake ranks 38th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while Loyola Chicago ranks 127th (4.0).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 78.6 points per game (2.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 71.6 points per game (1.7 below their season average).
- The Ramblers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 14.8, up from 9.1 for the season.
