Illinois State vs. Loyola Chicago Prediction and Odds (Ramblers Have Been a Bad Bet ATS)
By Matt De Saro
The Loyola Chicago Ramblers will look to keep hold of their No. 1 ranking in the Missouri Valley Conference standings tonight when they host the Illinois State Redbirds. The Redbirds look like easy prey after losing six of their nine conference games so far this year.
They are also on a three-game losing streak heading into the Joseph J. Gentile Arena tonight.
The Ramblers, while technically tied with Drake for the top spot in the MVC, look like the better team overall and enter tonight with a 16-4 overall record and 7-2 in conference play.
Here are the odds for this MVC matchup, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.
Illinois State vs. Loyola Chicago Odds, Spread, and Total
Spread:
- Illinois State +14.5 (-110)
- Loyola Chicago -14.2 (-110)
Moneyline:
- Illinois State +775
- Loyola Chicago -1225
Total: 138.5 (Over -110/Under -110)
Illinois State vs. Loyola Chicago Prediction and Pick
While there is a big gap between the skill level of these two teams, I don’t think that gap is 14.5 points big. Despite a terrible overall record and a three-game losing streak, the Redbirds have been very profitable in terms of spread betting. In their last 12 games overall, Illinois State is 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games overall and 7-5 as a betting underdog.
On the flip side, while the Ramblers are winning, they are not covering games lately and that is a concern to me here. Loyola Chicago has just one ATS win in their last eight games dating back to Jan. 8. They are also 1-7 ATS in their last eight games where the spread is 12.5 points or more this season.
While I don’t think that the Redbirds are going to come out and upset the Ramblers on their home court, an ATS cover does seem likely. Loyola Chicago just doesn’t have the killer instinct to finish games strong and I’m willing to bet they once again eke out a win.
Lean: Illinois State +14.5 (-110)
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