Don’t expect a fast-paced game when the Loyola Chicago Ramblers (17-11, 10-5 MVC) travel to Southern Illinois to play the Salukis (14-14, 7-8 MVC). The game starts at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 24, 2019, and will air on ESPNU.
Loyola Chicago Ramblers vs. Southern Illinois Salukis ATS Odds
In their last game, the Salukis lost a winnable game to the Valparaiso Crusaders, 55-52, while the Ramblers beat the Evansville Aces, 70-58.
Loyola Chicago dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 26.1 (above their season average of 19.7) and a turnover percentage of 12.8 (better than their season average of 17.8). Evansville recorded marks of 12.5 and 19.9, respectively, for those same stats. Southern Illinois, meanwhile, held Valparaiso to an offensive rebounding percentage of 18.2 (below their season average of 28.0). Southern Illinois’ Armon Fletcher played well, putting up 18 points and eight rebounds. Meanwhile, Loyola Chicago rallied around Marques Townes, who finished with 21 points and six rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Cameron Krutwig led the Ramblers to a 75-50 victory. He was the game’s top overall scorer with 22 points. Loyola Chicago couldn’t miss, shooting 59.6 percent from the field. Southern Illinois, on the other hand, had a field goal percentage of 38.6.
Half-court execution will be critical when a pair of the nation’s slowest-paced teams go head-to-head. Southern Illinois ranks 321st in possessions per game (66.0) and Loyola Chicago is 345th (63.3).
Loyola Chicago vs. Southern Illinois Odds Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Loyola Chicago, ATS Winner – Loyola Chicago, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Loyola Chicago ranks 46th in three pointers allowed per game (19.8) while Southern Illinois ranks 184th (23.1).
- The Ramblers average 14.0 assists per game, which ranks 113th in the country. The Salukis rank 128th in assists allowed per game (13.0).
- Loyola Chicago averages 6.5 steals per game, which ranks 108th in the nation. Southern Illinois ranks 121st in steals allowed per game (6.4).
- The Salukis rank 58th in blocks per game (4.1) while the Ramblers rank 166th in blocks allowed per game (4.1).
- Loyola Chicago ranks second in rebounds allowed per game (28.5) while Southern Illinois ranks 74th (32.9).
Bettings Trends:
- The Ramblers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.6, down from 5.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Salukis have scored an average of 67.4 points per game (0.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 64.4 points per game (2.6 below their season average).
