5 reasons Loyola-Chicago can and will win the national title

5 reasons Loyola-Chicago can and will win it all

ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 24: Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt celebrates with the Loyola Ramblers after defeating the Kansas State Wildcats during the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament South Regional at Philips Arena on March 24, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. Loyola defeated Kansas State 78-62. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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Mandatory Credit: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images /

4. Depth

The Ramblers go nine deep with players who average at least 10 minutes per game. As could be expected based on that, five guys average double-figure scoring per game, nine average at least 1.7 rebounds per game and six average at least one assist per contest.

That depth translates to great balance for Loyola-Chicago, with seven players attempting at least 48 three-pointers and only one (Donte Ingram-328) tallying more than 300 overall shot attempts heading into the Final Four. Of the nine players who have combined to account for over 94 percent of the Ramblers’ free throw attempts so far this season, six have converted at least a 70 percent rate.

A lot of college basketball teams struggle to have viable depth year in and year out, particularly at the bigger schools where early NBA exits are expected and common. That can get exposed easily in the NCAA Tournament against more experience mid-majors. The lineup combinations Moser can use gives Loyola-Chicago an advantage, and an immunity to foul trouble, and that can absolutely continue in San Antonio.

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