The Missouri State Bears (7-7, 1-0 MVC) will be at the Joseph J. Gentile Center to square off against the Loyola Chicago Ramblers (9-5, 1-0 MVC) in a MVC matchup. The game is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 4, 2020.
Missouri State Bears at Loyola Chicago Ramblers ATS Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Ramblers won a close one over the Valparaiso Crusaders 66-63, while the Bears beat the Evansville Aces 65-52.
The Bears had a better free throw rate (0.176 vs. 0.083) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.549 (above their season average of 0.497). The Ramblers, on the other hand, had a ridiculous free throw rate of 0.380 (above their season average of 0.280) and held the Crusaders to an offensive rebounding percentage of 17.6 (below their season average of 30.0). Cameron Krutwig played well for Loyola Chicago with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Missouri State was led by Lamont West, who put up 13 points and six rebounds.
The Bears dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the last contest, Missouri State won 65-61. Missouri State’s effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over Loyola Chicago. The Bears had a rate of 0.776 while the Ramblers posted a mark of 0.616. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when a pair of the nation’s slowest-paced teams battle. Loyola Chicago currently ranks 271st in possessions per game (67.9) and Missouri State is 304th (66.9). Ball security could be troublesome for the Bears. They rank 326th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 22.7 percent), while the Ramblers force the 41st-most turnovers in the country (opponents’ turnover percentage of 23.5 percent).
Missouri State Bears vs. Loyola Chicago Ramblers Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Loyola Chicago, ATS Winner – Loyola Chicago, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Missouri State ranks 105th in rebounds per game (37.3) while Loyola Chicago ranks 257th (31.3).
- The Bears rank 238th in three pointers attempted per game (18.4) while the Ramblers rank 275th (14.9).
- Loyola Chicago is 48th in the nation with 2.8 blocks allowed per game while Missouri State is 56th with 2.9 blocks allowed per game.
- The Bears rank 26th in assists allowed per game (10.0) while the Ramblers rank 94th (11.9).
- Loyola Chicago averages 7.5 steals per game, which ranks 72nd in the country. Missouri State ranks 130th in steals allowed per game (7.1).
Bettings Trends:
- The Bears’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.8, up from 3.4 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Ramblers have scored an average of 70.8 points per game (0.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 59.2 points per game (3.9 below their season average).
