Expect a defensive struggle when the Southern Illinois Salukis (8-9, 2-2 MVC) take on the Loyola Chicago Ramblers (11-6, 3-1 MVC) at Joseph J. Gentile Center. Action begins at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 16, 2020.
Southern Illinois Salukis vs. Loyola Chicago Ramblers Betting Odds
In their last matchup, the Ramblers dismantled the Evansville Aces, 78-44, while the Salukis lost big to the Bradley Braves, 67-48.
Loyola Chicago dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.273 (matching their season average) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.750 (above their season average of 0.553). For those same stats, Evansville was 0.087 and 0.435, respectively. Southern Illinois, meanwhile, forced Bradley into a turnover percentage of 20.6 (above their season average of 14.8). Marquise Kennedy had a good game for Loyola Chicago, finishing with 20 points. Meanwhile, Marcus Domask was a key piece for Southern Illinois with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
This series was highly contested last year, as the teams split their two games last season. The Salukis won the last contest 63-53. Southern Illinois out-rebounded Loyola Chicago. The Salukis had more offensive rebounds (9 vs. 3), defensive rebounds (25 vs. 23) and total rebounds (34 vs. 26). This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
Half-court execution will be at a premium when a pair of the nation’s slowest-paced teams go head-to-head. Loyola Chicago currently ranks 308th in possessions per game (66.8) and Southern Illinois is 343rd (63.8). Ball security could be troublesome for the Salukis. They rank 277th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 20.9 percent), while the Ramblers force the 25th-most turnovers in the country (opponents’ turnover percentage of 24.4 percent).
Southern Illinois vs. Loyola Chicago ATS Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Loyola Chicago, ATS Winner – Loyola Chicago, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Loyola Chicago ranks 17th in rebounds allowed per game (30.5) while Southern Illinois ranks 134th (35.1).
- The Ramblers rank 69th in assists per game (14.6) while the Salukis rank 72nd in assists allowed per game (11.5).
- The Salukis rank 185th in three pointers attempted per game (20.7) while the Ramblers rank 287th (14.7).
- Loyola Chicago averages 7.6 steals per game, which ranks 71st in the NCAA. Southern Illinois ranks 137th in steals allowed per game (6.9).
Bettings Trends:
- The Salukis’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.6, up from 2.4 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Ramblers have scored an average of 64.8 points per game (5.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 57.8 points per game (4.0 below their season average).
