The Loyola Chicago Ramblers (18-12, 11-6 MVC) welcome the Bradley Braves (17-13, 9-8 MVC) to Joseph J. Gentile Center as the regular season wraps up. The game starts at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 2, 2019, and will air on ESPN2.
Bradley Braves at Loyola Chicago Ramblers Betting Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Ramblers won a close one over the UNI Panthers 56-55, while the Braves won big over the Valparaiso Crusaders 67-42.
Bradley dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a great effective field goal percentage of 0.573 (above their season average of 0.499) and a free throw rate of 0.250 (matching their season average). For those same stats, Valparaiso had marks of 0.286 and 0.179, respectively. The Ramblers, meanwhile, had a solid offensive rebounding percentage of 30.3 (above their season average of 19.6), while the Panthers had a turnover percentage of 19.1 (above their season average of 15.8). Cameron Krutwig was a key piece for Loyola Chicago with 14 points and eight rebounds. Bradley, meanwhile, received a boost from Elijah Childs, who contributed 18 points and eight rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Luuk van Bree led the Braves to a 61-54 victory. He registered a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Bradley’s 0.200 free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Loyola Chicago, who had a rate of 0.100.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when a pair of the country’s slowest-paced teams face off. Loyola Chicago currently ranks 341st in possessions per game (63.1) and Bradley is 309th (66.1).
Bradley Braves vs. Loyola Chicago Ramblers Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Loyola Chicago, ATS Winner – Loyola Chicago, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Bradley ranks 34th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while Loyola Chicago ranks 164th (4.0).
- The Ramblers rank 48th in assists allowed per game (11.4) while the Braves rank 81st (12.2).
- The Braves rank 177th in rebounds per game (34.5) while the Ramblers rank 275th (29.8).
- Loyola Chicago ranks 50th in three pointers allowed per game (20.0) while Bradley ranks 117th (21.7).
Bettings Trends:
- The Braves’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.2, up from 2.0 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Ramblers have scored an average of 58.8 points per game (6.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 60.4 points per game (0.3 below their season average).
