Loyola-Chicago vs. Bradley Predictions, Odds

• January 25, 2021
• By Thom Cunningham
• VegasInsider.com

The Loyola-Chicago Ramblers take on the Bradley Braves in the second game of a back-to-back series. Tip for this crucial MVC game is set for 7 p.m. (ET) and will air on the CBS Sports Network.

BETTING RESOURCES

• Expert Picks: Vegas Insiders
• Conference: MVC
• Venue: Carver Arena
• Location: Peoria, Illinois
• Date: Monday, January 25, 2021
• Time: 7:00 p.m.
• TV: CBSSN
• Bet: BetMGM | bet365 | FanDuel | DraftKings |PointsBet | Best Sportsbooks

WHERE TO BET LOYOLA CHICAGO-BRADLEY

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Loyola Chicago-Bradley Betting Odds

Line Movements

• Spread: Loyola-Chicago -7
• Money-Line: Loyola-Chicago -290 Bradley +245
• Total: 129.5

Odds Subject to Change

Loyola-Chicago enters as the home favorite, given a -7-point spread. The Ramblers have covered the spread in 10 of their last 13 games this season, while Bradley has covered the spread in just six of 13 games.

The point total is set at 129.5, something these clubs went UNDER in during their first encounter on Sunday. Overall, Loyola-Chicago is 7-6 on the O/U, while Bradley has gone OVER in eight of its last 13 games.

Betting Analysis – Loyola Chicago Ramblers

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

• SU: 11-3
• ATS: 10-3
• SU - Home: 8-1
• SU - Away: 3-2
• O/U: 7-6

Cameron Krutwig is the name to watch for this team, a Wooden Award candidate with some sportsbooks. The experienced big man averages 15 points per game, and a team high 5.8 rebounds.

He is a force on defense as well, averaging 0.8 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. The Ramblers don't block the ball well as a team, but Krutwig gives Loyola-Chicago the post advantage more games than not.

One of the biggest weapons this team has is experience, as the top three scorers are all seniors. Including Krutwig, Tate Hall and Lucas Williamson provide great leadership and solid production on the court.

Loyola-Chicago's greatest weapon, however, is the defense - which is reminiscent of coach Porter Moser. The Ramblers have the seventh-most efficient defense in the country, allowing the second-fewest points per game (57.3).

Combine that with the 14th-most efficient offense that ranks 25th in three-point percentage (38%), sixth in field goal percentage (51%) and eighth in two-point percentage (60%) and what you have is a dangerous March Madness team.

One last shout out to watch in this game is Marquise Kennedy, who leads the team in steals per game. Both he and Williamson will have to be the team catalysts on defense during the months of February and March if the Ramblers want to make another run.

Betting Analysis – Bradley Braves

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

• SU: 9-5
• ATS: 6-7
• SU - Home: 7-1
• SU - Away: 2-4
• O/U: 8-5

Bradley has gone from a three-point shooting team to a defensive one, and one that rebounds the ball very well. Elijah Childs leads the team in points per game and rebounds per game with 7.9.

Bradley ranks 21st nationally in total rebounds per game (41.1) and 16th in defensive rebounds per game (29.5). This is concerning for Bradley due to the fact that they lost the rebounding game against Loyola-Chicago on Sunday. If that occurs again, Bradley will lose at home.

The good news is that Loyola-Chicago only hit three three-point shots, meaning that if Bradley earns a few more possessions then they could've possibly won (lost by 13). The Ramblers did a good job defensively on this team, holding Terry Nolan, Jr. to just two points (he averages 11.8 per game).

Nolan will have to score more points, obviously, and stay out of foul trouble for Bradley to stand a chance.

Inside the Stats – Loyola Chicago Ramblers

• PS/G: 76.1 (94th)
• PA/G: 57.3 (2nd)
• Off Rtg: 114.5 (15th)
• Def Rtg: 86.1 (8th)

Inside the Stats – Bradley Braves

• PS/G: 73.7 (144th)
• PA/G: 62.2 (27th)
• Off Rtg: 108.4 (74th)
• Def Rtg: 91.5 (39th)

Key Players to Watch

• LOYC - Cameron Krutwig (15 PPG, 5.8 RPG)
• LOYC - Tate Hall (10 PPG)
• BRAD - Elijah Childs (14.6 PPG, 7.9 RPG)
• BRAD - Terry Nolan, Jr. (11.8 PPG)

Loyola Chicago-Bradley Predictions

Despite both defenses being very good, the point total seems like it may go OVER. The combined O/U record between both schools slightly favors OVER, as the point total given is less than 130. Both teams should be able to touch 60 points, which would only take a few buckets from either team at that point.

Also, keep in mind that this is the second of a back-to-back. It's tough for any team to beat anyone two straight times, unless the talent level is a massive drop off. In this case, it isn't, plus the Braves are now playing at home where they are much better. Still it's tough to ignore the 10-3 ATS for Loyola.

The point total going OVER the low 129.5 seems to be the best play. Be careful with the spread, as there is no argument for siding with Loyola's 10-3 ATS. Just be mindful that this is the second game of a back-to-back and the game is now at Bradley, so if there was ever a night to go against the Rambler's ATS grain it would be this one.

Bradley has won 19 of its last 20 prime-time games when playing at home, while the Braves have also won the second half in six straight home games.

• Score Prediction: Loyola-Chicago 69 Bradley 61
• Best Bets: OVER

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