The Loyola-Chicago Ramblers and St. Joseph’s Hawks are looking to ascend in the Atlantic 10 conference standings and will start by facing each other in Chicago on Wednesday with the Ramblers just a half-game out of first place.
St. Joseph’s Hawks vs. Loyola-Chicago Ramblers (-4.5, 150.5)
Loyola-Chicago’s 9-2 start in conference play has been due in large part to its defensive effort, ranking 32nd in the nation in points allowed on a per-possession basis and preventing second chances.
Despite not having a single player on the roster averaging at least five rebounds per game, the Ramblers are allowing opponents to grab an offensive rebound on 21.8% of their misses in home games, good for 41st in the nation in overall defensive rebound rate.
While St. Joseph’s has not been on the same level as Loyala-Chicago in terms of overall defense, ranking 120th in points allowed on a per-possession basis, it has prevented teams from dominating the interior, ranking 58th in opponent 2-point shooting percentage in road games.
While that mark is solid, the Ramblers have been even better down low, allowing opponents to make just 42.7% of their 2-point shots, which ranks second in the nation.
While the Ramblers have kept 10 of the last 11 Division I opponents they have played at home to 70 points or fewer, the offense has had its issues, ranking 208th in points scored on a per-possession basis, due in large part to turnovers. The team is committing a turnover on 16.6% percent of offensive plays at home this season, which ranks 298th. They also rank 226th in 3-point shooting percentage at home (33.9%).
With both teams playing at a relatively moderate tempo (St. Joseph’s ranking 136th in possessions per game and Loyola-Chicago 153rd), Wednesday’s game will mirror most of the Loyola-Chicago home games we have seen this season — a low-scoring defensive showcase.
The Play: Sf. Joseph’s vs. Loyola-Chicago Under 150.5
