Loyola Chicago Ramblers vs VCU Rams Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our VCU vs Loyola Chicago NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Chicago.

VCU vs Loyola Chicago Prediction

Planning on watching today's Rams and Ramblers game? Catch the action at Joseph J. Gentile Arena in Chicago, IL, as the Ramblers hosts this showdown at 2:00 ET on CBSS. VCU is favored by -5.5 in this Atlantic 10 conference matchup the against Loyola Chicago. The over/under for the game is set at 139.5 points.

VCU vs. Loyola Chicago Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: VCU Rams at Loyola Chicago Ramblers
Where: Chicago at Joseph J. Gentile Arena
Date: Saturday, January 4th
Betting Odds VCU -5.5, VCU -245 | LOYCH +195 O/U 139.5

Rams Preview: Are VCU Ready for a Road Win?

VCU Rams Recent Game/Games

VCU’s season record dropped to 9-4 after a narrow 77-75 loss to St. Bonaventure on Tuesday. The Rams, who were -2.5 favorites, not only lost the game but also failed to cover the spread.

VCU trailed 38-34 at halftime but put up 41 points in the 2nd half while allowing 39. The total points for the game reached 152, surpassing the O/U line of 134.5.

Rams Offense Breakdown

VCU's offense put up 75 points in their last game, shooting 48.3% from the field and 35.5% from three-point range. Their effective field goal percentage was 58.6%, with a strong 63% shooting on two-point attempts. The Rams also hit 88.9% of their free throws, going 8-for-9 from the line.

Phillip Russell led the way with 26 points, hitting 6-of-12 from deep and shooting 62.5% overall. Noel Brown and Melvin Council Jr. each added 20 points, with Brown shooting 61.5% from the field. Council also contributed 8 rebounds and 4 assists, while Joe Bamisile chipped in 13 points and 8 boards.

Rams Team Defense

Despite VCU's defensive efforts, they couldn't contain their opponent, allowing 77 points on 50% shooting from the field. The Rams gave up 24 two-point baskets on 43 attempts, resulting in a 55% shooting percentage for their opponent.

From beyond the arc, VCU held their opponent to 5 made threes on 15 attempts, a 33% shooting rate. At the free-throw line, their opponent shot 73%, converting 14 of 19 attempts. VCU also allowed 11 offensive rebounds.

Ramblers Preview: Will the Ramblers Find a Way to Win at Home?

Loyola Chicago fell to 8-4 on the season after a 71-68 road loss to Murray State on Wednesday. The Ramblers, who were -2.5 favorites, not only lost the game but also failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game reached 139, just over the pre-game O/U line of 137.5.

Loyola Chicago led 36-34 at halftime but were outscored 37-32 in the second half, leading to the loss.

Ramblers Offense Breakdown

Loyola Chicago's offense was efficient in their last game, shooting 62.5% from the field and posting an effective field goal percentage of 67.5%. They were particularly strong inside, hitting 75% of their two-point attempts, while going 4-for-12 from beyond the arc.

Despite their shooting success, the Ramblers managed just 7 assists and 3 offensive rebounds. Terence Harcum, KyeRon Lindsay, and Miles Rubin each scored 16 points, with Rubin going a perfect 7-for-7 from the field.

Ramblers Team Defense

Loyola Chicago's defense struggled in their last game, giving up 71 points while allowing the opposing team to shoot 48% from the field. The Ramblers couldn't contain their opponents inside, who connected on 53% of their two-point attempts, going 14/26.

From beyond the arc, Loyola Chicago's defense allowed 7 threes on 17 attempts, a 41% shooting performance. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 33 times, where they made 22, shooting 66%. The Ramblers did limit second-chance opportunities, giving up just 6 offensive rebounds.

Rams vs Ramblers Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

Across the Rams last five road games, the team averaged 68 points per game while allowing 70. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 1-4, while going 1-4 straight-up.
Through their last three home games, Loyola Chicago has an ATS record of just 0-3. However, their overall record was 0-3 while averaging 69 points per game.
Going back to their last three games as the underdog, the Ramblers have a straight up record of 1-2. But, their mark vs the spread was just 1-2.
In their last ten games as the betting favorite, the Rams have a straight up record of 8-2 and an ATS mark of 7-3.