The Loyola Chicago Ramblers (15-8, 7-3 MVC) travel to Indiana State to play the Sycamores (13-8, 6-4 MVC) in a game that will likely be low scoring. The game starts at 6 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 5, 2020, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
Loyola Chicago Ramblers vs. Indiana State Sycamores ATS Prediction
The Ramblers will be looking for similar success after topping the Bradley Braves in their last outing, 62-51. The Ramblers had a ridiculous free throw rate of 0.477 (above their season average of 0.249) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 38.7 (above their season average of 19.7). With 19 points on 7-for-12 shooting, Cameron Krutwig was the game’s leading scorer.
In the Sycamores’ last game, they beat the Missouri State Bears, 78-68. The Sycamores had a fantastic effective field goal percentage of 0.620 (above their season average of 0.523) and had a free throw rate of 0.320 (above their season average of 0.238). Tyreke Key was the game’s top scorer with 27 points on 7-for-10 shooting from the field.
Half-court execution will be critical when a pair of the nation’s slowest-paced teams battle. Indiana State ranks 319th in possessions per game (66.1) and Loyola Chicago is 326th (65.8). Also, the Ramblers’ ninth-ranked offense (effective field goal percentage of 0.558) will battle against the Sycamores’ 262nd-ranked defense (effective field goal percentage allowed of 0.511).
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. Krutwig had 13 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists in the first game, in which the Ramblers defeated the Sycamores 75-55. Loyola Chicago launched 12 three pointers, making eight of them (66.7 percent). Indiana State was, meanwhile, 6-20 (30.0 percent).
Loyola Chicago Ramblers at Indiana State Sycamores Free Pick
College Basketball Prediction: ATS Winner – Indiana State, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Loyola Chicago ranks 48th in steals per game (7.9) while Indiana State ranks 174th (5.8).
The Ramblers average 14.5 assists per game, which ranks 68th in the country. The Sycamores rank 140th in assists allowed per game (12.8).
Indiana State ranks 245th in three pointers attempted per game (18.4) while Loyola Chicago ranks 288th (15.5).
The Ramblers are sixth in the NCAA with 29.8 rebounds allowed per game while the Sycamores are 48th with 32.3 rebounds allowed per game.
The Ramblers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.6, down from 8.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Sycamores have scored an average of 65.8 points per game (4.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.6 points per game (0.1 above their season average).
