The Drake Bulldogs (11-4, 1-1 MVC) will try to prolong their nine-game home winning streak in a matchup against the Loyola Chicago Ramblers (10-5, 2-0 MVC) at Knapp Center. The game will air on CBS Sports Network at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 7, 2020.
Loyola Chicago Ramblers at Drake Bulldogs Betting Prediction
In the Ramblers’ last game, they beat the Missouri State Bears, 62-58. One of Loyola Chicago’s biggest advantages was getting to the charity stripe. They made 26 trips to the line, while Missouri State went just six times. With 23 points on 9-for-18 shooting, Cameron Krutwig was the top scorer from either team.
The Bulldogs were victorious over the Indiana State Sycamores in their last outing, 80-76. The Bulldogs had a great free throw rate of 0.308 (above their season average of 0.201) and had a turnover percentage of 13.9 (better than their season average of 17.6). With 15 points, six blocks and five rebounds, Liam Robbins put together a solid performance for Drake.
After the Ramblers won both contests against the Bulldogs last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the most recent matchup, Loyola Chicago won 86-64. The Ramblers had a much better free throw rate (0.250 vs. 0.098) and had a much better turnover percentage (7.2 vs. 18.2).
When looking at effective field goal percentage, Drake should have a significant advantage. The upper-echelon Bulldogs offense ranks 56th in the country in that metric at 0.536, while the suspect Loyola Chicago defense is ranked 260th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.508). Moreover, put-back points figure to be few and far between for the Ramblers. They rank 342nd in the nation in offensive rebounding percentage at 20.4 percent, while the Bulldogs are 15th-best on the defensive glass (defensive rebounding percentage of 77.6 percent).
Loyola Chicago vs. Drake Free Pick
Prediction: ATS Winner – Drake, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Drake ranks 142nd in three pointers attempted per game (22.3) while Loyola Chicago ranks 276th (14.6).
The Ramblers average 7.6 steals per game, which ranks 67th in the NCAA. The Bulldogs rank 136th in steals allowed per game (6.9).
Drake averages 15.7 assists per game, which ranks 42nd in the country. Loyola Chicago ranks 96th in assists allowed per game (12.0).
The Bulldogs rank 225th in rebounds per game (33.7) while the Ramblers rank 267th (30.9).
The Ramblers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.2, down from 7.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 75.2 points per game (2.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 77.6 points per game (11.3 above their season average).
