Loyola Chicago Ramblers vs VCU Rams Betting Preview
The Loyola Chicago Ramblers travel to Richmond to face the VCU Rams in an Atlantic 10 matchup at the Stuart C. Siegel Center. Loyola Chicago enters with a 5-17 record and looks to find momentum despite a tough season, while VCU aims to extend its strong home form with an 11-4 record in Richmond. With the Rams favored by 19.5 points, this contest highlights a battle between Loyola’s perimeter shooting and VCU’s high-powered offense.
Line Movement and Odds
VCU enters as the heavy favorite, but Loyola’s ability to hit threes makes this line worth monitoring. Current market:
- VCU Spread: -19.5 (-110)
- Loyola Chicago Spread: +19.5 (-113)
- VCU MoneyLine: -4250
- Loyola Chicago MoneyLine: +1600
- Total: 151.5 (-110)
For live updates on spreads, totals, and moneylines, follow the College Basketball Odds feed, which refreshes throughout the day.
Matchup Breakdown
Loyola Chicago Outlook
The Ramblers average 67.2 points per game, with Joshua Ola-Joseph, Miles Rubin, and Des Watson leading the offense. Ola-Joseph’s 13 points vs Saint Joseph’s highlighted his scoring, while Rubin’s 10 rebounds showcased his defensive presence. Loyola’s efficiency (5-17 overall record; 8.0 made threes per game) underscores their strengths. Their ability to shoot from deep makes them dangerous if they get hot.
VCU Outlook
The Rams average 84 points per game, with Lazar Djokovic, Terrence Hill Jr., and Barry Evans driving production. Djokovic and Hill’s 14 points each vs Richmond highlighted their scoring, while Evans’ 10 rebounds added balance. VCU’s efficiency (15-6 overall record; 11-4 at home; 46.7% FG; 20th nationally in free throws made per game) underscores their strengths. Their ability to score consistently and defend at home makes them tough to beat in Richmond.
Key Factors
This matchup may hinge on pace and perimeter shooting. Loyola thrives on Ola-Joseph’s scoring and Rubin’s rebounding, while VCU must rely on Djokovic’s hot hand and Hill’s consistency to tilt the game. Execution in the final minutes will likely decide whether VCU covers the spread.
Injuries / Availability
Loyola Chicago: The Ramblers report no fresh injury concerns heading into Friday’s contest.
VCU: The Rams are expected to have their full rotation available.
Environment
Stuart C. Siegel Center has been a fortress for VCU, where they’ve gone 11-4 this season. Loyola Chicago, however, has struggled on the road (2-7), making this a clash of home dominance versus visiting urgency.
Best Bets and Prediction
Projected Final Score: VCU 88, Loyola Chicago 65
- VCU -19.5 → Best Bet. Their offensive firepower and home-court advantage suggest they can cover the spread.
- Under 151.5 → Total play. Loyola’s slower pace points toward a combined score just under the line.
VCU’s depth and scoring should carry them to victory, while Loyola’s perimeter shooting keeps the spread in play. Expect a competitive contest early before VCU pulls away late, with totals landing just under the posted number.
Handicappers and Service Plays
Atlantic 10 games often highlight pace and efficiency mismatches. Our Best Handicappers spotlight analysts who specialize in conference trends, while the Leaderboard tracks who’s delivering consistent returns. For Loyola Chicago vs VCU, expert breakdowns in Buy Picks can help bettors decide whether the spread or total offers the sharper edge.


