Loyola Chicago vs. Illinois State Prediction and Odds: (Back Redbirds as Home Dog and Bet the Over)

After losing to Drake in their last game, the 20-6 Loyola Chicago Ramblers will try to get back in the win column when they take on the 11-17 Illinois State Redbirds tonight at 8:00 PM EST.

Despite a sparking overall record, the Ramblers are just 2-8 against the spread (ATS) over their last 10. Meanwhile, the Redbirds are 12-6 ATS over their last 18 games even though they've only won three out of their past 15.

Will the Ramblers rebound and smother the Redbirds or will the home team come out on top?

Let's check out the odds via WynnBET:

Loyola Chicago vs. Illinois State Odds, Spread and Total

Spread

• Loyola Chicago -9.5 (-110)
• Illinois State +9.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Loyola Chicago: -450
• Illinois State: +350

Total:

• 138 (Over -110/Under -110)

Loyola Chicago vs Illinois State Prediction and Pick

The Ramblers beat the Redbirds 78-64 at home earlier this month and on paper, they should run away with this one. They have the 5th-best effective field goal percentage in the country behind the 13th-highest 2-point shooting percentage and 10th-best 3-point shooting percentage. Illinois State, meanwhile, ranks just 274th nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency.

But things aren't always as they seem on paper, and the Redbirds find a way to hang around in games while the Ramblers just can't put teams away. Illinois State has the 39th-highest 3-point shooting percentage in college basketball and should be able to shoot over a Ramblers perimeter defense that allows opponents to shoot just under 33% from beyond the arc.

Loyola Chicago is just 1-4 ATS in their last five as a road favorite while Illinois State has covered the spread in four straight as a home underdog and won two of them outright.

I like those trends to continue as the Redbirds hang around long enough to cover the large spread. But I also like the over here. I don't think the Redbirds will be able to slow down Loyola Chicago's offense and should be shooting a lot of three-pointers to keep up. The over has hit in four straight games between these two teams and I think they make it five straight tonight.

Pick: Illinois State +9.5 (-110) and OVER 138 (-110)