Kent State enters the NIT quarterfinal matchup against Loyola Chicago brimming with confidence, having come off two impressive road victories over St. Bonaventure and Stanford. Their offense has been electric, scoring 72 or more in 12 of their last 13 games, led by senior guard Jalen Sullinger (15.8 PPG), who dropped 34 in their second-round win at Stanford. On the flip side, Loyola Chicago has had a solid-if-mediocre run in the NIT, pulling off two tight wins against San Jose State and San Francisco. We’re hitting all the NIT games tonight, and this is the primetime one! Here’s my preview, prediction, pick, and best bet for this NIT Quarterfinal game between Loyola Chicago and Kent State.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games each round, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more to-the-minute, point-of-need analyses and plays throughout conference tournament week.
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Loyola Chicago vs. Kent State preview, prediction
Kent State’s offense excels in isolation, with Sullinger and Delrecco Gillespie (12.7 PPG, 8.1 RPG) exploiting defensive gaps, and they possess a solid inside-out game. Their defense is no slouch either, ranking 35th nationally in opponent rebounds per game (31.7 RPG), and they generate ample turnovers, ranking No. 87 in turnover margin (+2.2). The Golden Flashes are also a strong rebounding team, ranking No. 38 nationally in rebound percentage (53.7%).
On the flip side, Loyola Chicago has had a solid run in the NIT, pulling off two tight wins against San Jose State and San Francisco. Senior guard Tevin Smith (13.8 PPG) and Jayden Dawson (13.8 PPG) have been key contributors, and their offense has been efficient, ranking 65th nationally in defensive rebounding percentage. However, Loyola has struggled in isolation defense, allowing 1.09 points per possession on dribble jumpers, a key vulnerability for Kent State’s offense. Additionally, the Ramblers have been inconsistent on defense, ranking just No. 151 in defensive efficiency. Loyola’s free-throw shooting (67.4%) is another concern, and they are facing a Kent State team that can turn defensive stops into quick transition opportunities.
Kent State vs. Loyola Chicago pick, best bet
Kent State’s strong rebounding advantage (20th in offensive rebound rate) will help them limit Loyola’s ability to control the game tempo, while their isolation offense can exploit Loyola’s defensive weaknesses. Loyola has been effective in tournament play, but they’ve faced weaker competition compared to Kent State, and their defensive lapses are likely to be exposed by a potent Kent State offense.
Given Kent State’s overall talent and depth, coupled with their defensive rebounding prowess and ability to exploit Loyola’s struggles in isolation defense, the Golden Flashes are well-equipped to cover the spread of +4.5. Loyola’s home-court advantage won’t be enough to stifle Kent State’s momentum.
You really hate to bet against Sister Jean, but—
Best bet: Kent State +4.5 (-105)
Tail Kent State to ignore the home court advantage and keep the game close with me in the DKN Betting Group here!
Want to approach your March Madness Bracket with the same precision as the top 1% of bracket pool winners? Check out what the PoolGenius optimizer has to offer!
