Loyola Chicago Ramblers vs San Francisco Dons Pick – 3/23/2025

The Loyola Chicago Ramblers are set to face the San Francisco Dons in the second round of the NIT Tournament on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. This matchup brings together two teams with impressive seasons, each aiming to advance further in postseason play.

Loyola Chicago Ramblers vs. San Francisco Dons Game Preview

The Ramblers concluded the regular season with a 23-11 record, demonstrating resilience and consistency. They have been particularly strong at home, boasting a 16-1 record, though their performance on the road has been more balanced at 6-5. Offensively, Loyola Chicago averages 73.5 points per game, with a defense allowing 68.6 points per game. Key contributors include Jayden Dawson, leading the team with 13.2 points per game, and Miles Rubin, who averages 5.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game. The team has also been effective in sharing the ball, averaging 16.0 assists per game.

On the other side, the San Francisco Dons have compiled a 25-9 record, reflecting a strong season. They have been dominant at home with a perfect 17-0 record. The Dons average 75.9 points per game while allowing 68.9 points per game defensively. Malik Thomas stands out as the team's offensive leader, averaging 19.3 points per game, complemented by 3.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. Marcus Williams contributes significantly with 15 points per game. The Dons' balanced attack and solid defense have been key to their success.

These teams met earlier in the season on December 15, 2024, where San Francisco secured a 76-66 victory. In that game, Malik Thomas delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 35 points on 11-of-16 shooting. Loyola Chicago's offense struggled, shooting 37.3% from the field and 29.2% from three-point range.

Betting Insights

For bettors, several trends are noteworthy:

• Loyola Chicago has been strong against the spread (ATS), going 9-2 in their last 11 games.
• The total has gone over in four of Loyola Chicago's last five road games.
• San Francisco has a solid ATS record, standing at 18-15 for the season.
• The total has gone over in seven of San Francisco's last ten games.

These trends suggest a potential for a high-scoring game, with both teams having a propensity for games going over the total points line.

Loyola Chicago Ramblers vs. San Francisco Dons Prediction

Considering the season's performances and the previous encounter between these teams, San Francisco appears to have the upper hand. Their home-court advantage, combined with the scoring prowess of Malik Thomas, positions them favorably. Loyola Chicago's recent form and strong ATS record indicate they could keep the game competitive. However, given San Francisco's dominance at home and their balanced offensive and defensive play, they are likely to secure the win.

Prediction: San Francisco Dons to win and cover the spread.

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