VCU Rams vs Loyola Chicago Ramblers NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/4/25

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 showdown. The game’s over/under is currently at 139.5 points.

VCU RAMS VS LOYOLA CHICAGO RAMBLERS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Loyola Chicago Ramblers +5.5

This game will be played at Joseph J. Gentile Arena at 2:00 ET on Saturday, January 4th.

WHY BET THE LOYOLA CHICAGO RAMBLERS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 75-71 in favor of the Ramblers.
• Not only will Loyola Chicago pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +5.5.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 139.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 146 points.

Is A Road Victory Likely for the Favored Rams?

VCU Rams Recent Game/Games

VCU’s season record now stands at 9-4 following a 77-75 loss to St. Bonaventure on Tuesday. The Rams, who were -2.5 point favorites, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread.

After trailing 38-34 at halftime, VCU scored 41 points in the 2nd half while allowing 39. The total points for the game reached 152, surpassing the pre-game O/U line of 134.5.

VCU’s offense put up 75 points in their last game, shooting 48.3% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 58.6%. They connected on 63% of their two-point attempts and hit 35.5% from beyond the arc, going 11-for-31. At the free-throw line, the Rams were nearly perfect, making 8 of 9 attempts for an 88.9% success rate.

Phillip Russell led the way with 26 points, hitting 6 threes at a 50% clip 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.

Despite VCU’s defensive efforts, they couldn’t contain their opponent, giving up 77 points on 50% shooting from the field. The Rams allowed 24 two-point baskets on 43 attempts, a 55% conversion rate.

From beyond the arc, VCU’s defense held their opponent to 33% shooting, with 5 threes made on 15 attempts. They also sent them to the free-throw line 19 times, where they converted 14 free throws, shooting 73%.

Can the Ramblers Lock in a Home Win?

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

Leading 36-34 at halftime, Loyola Chicago couldn’t hold on in the second half, where they were outscored 37-32 by the Racers.

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 connecting on 33.3% from beyond the arc.

The Ramblers had just 7 assists and 3 offensive rebounds, with Terence Harcum, KyeRon Lindsay, and Miles Rubin each scoring 16 points. Rubin was perfect from the field, going 7-for-7, while JaCobi Wood contributed 6 assists.

Despite giving up 71 points, Loyola Chicago’s defense struggled to contain their opponent, allowing them to shoot 48% from the field. The Ramblers gave up 14 two-point baskets on 26 attempts, a 53% conversion rate.

From beyond the arc, Loyola Chicago’s defense allowed 7 threes on 17 attempts, with their opponent shooting 41% from deep. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 33 times, where they converted 22 free throws, shooting 66%. The Ramblers allowed 6 offensive rebounds.