Free NCAA Hoops Pick: Ramblers vs. Crusaders CBB Odds
Looking for Loyola Chicago Ramblers vs. Valparaiso Crusaders NCAA basketball free picks & CBB odds? CBB betting sees the Ramblers taking on the Crusaders on Wednesday February 17, 2021 at Joseph J Gentile Arena, Chicago, IL. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all college basketball matchups all season long so stay tuned for more FREE daily basketball predictions like this Ramblers Crusaders matchup.
2021 NCAA Basketball Handicapping
(18-4) #22 Loyola Chicago Ramblers vs. Valparaiso Crusaders (8-14)
Date: Wednesday February 17, 2021
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Venue: Joseph J Gentile Arena, Chicago, IL
CBB Moneyline Odds: OFF
CBB Betting Odds: Valparaiso +20.5
CBB Betting Total: O/U 128.5
Two Missouri Valley Conference teams square off Wednesday as the Loyola Chicago Ramblers take on the Valparaiso Crusaders in Chicago.
These two teams have already met this season back on January 20. The Ramblers came away with a 75-39 road victory as a 11-point favorite on January 20.
Valparaiso is coming off a split against Northern Iowa. The Crusaders won on Saturday before falling by 14 the next day. Loyola split a two-game set against Drake and is currently the best team in the MVC.
Loyola Chicago Ramblers
Loyola has been dominant for the most part this season. It appears they are in good position to make another deep postseason run like they did back in 2018.
Loyola Chicago has been particularly impressive on the defensive side of the ball. They force a lot of turnovers, rebound the ball well on defense and don’t allow a lot of easy baskets. The Ramblers are 4th in the nation in defensive rating.
Loyola holds its opponents to a 45.6 effective field goal percentage. They are 10th in opponents offensive rebounding percentage and hold teams to 30.4 percent from the outside.
Senior center Cameron Krutwig has been one of the most effective bigs in basketball over the last few years. This season, he is averaging 15.7 PPG along with 6.6 RPG. Krutwig doesn’t miss many open looks inside, shooting over 58 percent from the field.
The Ramblers are currently the ninth rated team in the nation, according to KenPom, rated 38th in adjusted offensive efficiency while scoring 73.2 PPG, and first in adjusted defensive efficiency allowing 55.9 points a night. They will look to get their offense back after losing 51-50 to Drake in overtime.
The one thing that really stands out to me about the Ramblers is how they don’t block a lot of shots but still play elite defense. This goes to show how disciplined they are defensively. I believe this team is better than the Ramblers squad that went to the Final Four in 2018.
Valparaiso Crusaders
Valparaiso has been hit and miss in conference play. The Crusaders sit at 5-8 in MVC play and have won three conference games on the road.
Valpo is 206th in the country overall according to KenPom. They have struggled mightily on offense, ranking 274th in offensive rating and 314th in 3-point shooting at 29.4 percent. The Crusaders are also 333rd in the country in offensive rebounding and will have their hands full against an intimidating Ramblers frontcourt.
Ben Krikke leads Valparaiso with 12.4 ppg and Donovan Clay is second with 10.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. Defensively, the Crusaders are giving up just under 70 PPG and have the 147th best defensive rating in the country.
Valparaiso’s best moment of the season came when they knocked off Drake and handed the Bulldogs their first loss of the season. Valpo was nearly able to sweep Drake in that back-to-back and showed the ability to hang with good teams.
CBB Betting Trends:
- Road team is 13-3-1 ATS in the last 17 meetings.
- Crusaders are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss.
- Under is 4-0 in Crusaders last 4 overall.
- Under is 6-0 in Crusaders last 6 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
- Under is 7-0 in Crusaders last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
- Under is 10-1 in Crusaders last 11 road games.
- Under is 6-1 in Crusaders last 7 games following a straight up loss.
- Under is 5-1 in Crusaders last 6 Wednesday games
Free Loyola Chicago Ramblers vs. Valparaiso Crusaders NCAAB Prediction:
I believe Valparaiso covers the big number. Loyola will cruise to a victory here, but Valpo should be able to hang within 20 points. I’d also lean under given how bad Valpo’s offense is and how elite the Ramblers are on defense.
4* Free CBB Betting Pick: Valparaiso +20.5
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