Get ready for an exciting NCAA men’s basketball showdown: he Rhode Island Rams travel to Chicago to face the Loyola Chicago Ramblers. This game has all the ingredients for a thrilling contest—two teams with unique styles, a mix of high-flying offense and tough defense, key players to watch, and plenty on the line for both squads. With both teams looking to position themselves for a strong finish, this matchup promises to deliver plenty of action and intrigue.

Date: Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Time: 10:00 PM ET

Arena: Joseph J. Gentile Center, Chicago, IL

This Atlantic 10 Conference matchup is set to be a thrilling encounter between two teams with contrasting styles and recent performances.

Rhode Island Rams: Fast-Paced Offense Meets Defensive Struggles

The Rhode Island Rams come into this game with a solid record and a high-scoring offense, but their defense has been inconsistent. Offensively, the Rams are an exciting team, averaging 80 points per game, largely due to their ability to score from multiple areas on the floor. They’re ranked 5th in the Atlantic 10 (A-10) in offensive efficiency, led by their explosive guard Sebastian Thomas. At 18.7 points per game, Thomas is the engine that powers the Rams’ offense, and he’s capable of putting up big numbers on any given night. His ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting makes him a tough cover for any defense.

Despite their offensive firepower, Rhode Island has been vulnerable on the defensive side. They allow 70.3 points per game and rank 9th in A-10 defensive efficiency. In their most recent loss to George Washington, they struggled to contain opposing players and couldn’t get stops when it mattered most. Their defense has been prone to giving up fast-break points, which could play into Loyola’s favor, as they prefer to control the tempo and slow the game down.

Rebounding is one area where the Rams do excel. They lead the A-10 in rebound rate at 39.2%, thanks to their strong frontcourt play. However, their ability to convert offensive boards into points will be tested against a Loyola team that is solid on the glass, too.

Loyola Chicago Ramblers: Defense and Grit

Loyola Chicago, on the other hand, is known for its methodical and defense-first approach. Under head coach Drew Valentine, the Ramblers have built a reputation for being one of the toughest teams in the country defensively. They are currently 5th in the A-10 in defensive efficiency, allowing just 95.5 points per 100 possessions. Their defensive game plan revolves around slowing down the tempo and making life difficult for opposing offenses.

Offensively, Loyola is not as dynamic as Rhode Island, averaging just 70 points per game. But they have a few key pieces that can take over a game, most notably guard Sheldon Edwards Jr. Edwards is the team’s leading scorer, putting up 12.3 points per game, and he’s capable of heating up from beyond the arc. The Ramblers will need him to step up against a team like Rhode Island, which will likely push the pace and try to score in transition.

Loyola’s biggest advantage may come on defense. They excel at forcing turnovers and limiting opposing teams’ shooting efficiency. They allow just 43.4% from the field, which will be crucial against a high-scoring team like the Rams. Expect Loyola to try to dictate the pace and control the flow of the game, making it difficult for Rhode Island to get into a rhythm.

Key Players to Watch

Rhode Island Rams

Sebastian Thomas (G): Thomas is the catalyst for Rhode Island’s offense. He’s a dynamic scorer who can shoot from deep or drive to the basket, making him a constant threat on the floor.
Jaden House (G): House adds depth to the backcourt and can score in bunches when needed. He’s another player who can provide a spark for Rhode Island if the offense stalls.

Loyola Chicago Ramblers

Sheldon Edwards Jr. (G): Edwards is Loyola’s best offensive weapon. If he can heat up from beyond the arc, he could be the difference-maker in this game.
Miles Rubin (F): Rubin is an important piece for Loyola’s defense and rebounding. He’ll need to step up on the boards and provide secondary scoring to help ease the pressure on Edwards.
Isaiah Thompson (G): Thompson is a strong playmaker who can disrupt Rhode Island’s offense with his defense and quick decision-making. His ability to create open looks for teammates could be key in this matchup.

Injury Report

Rhode Island Rams: David Green (F) is listed as out indefinitely with a shoulder injury, which could leave a significant gap in their rebounding and scoring. David Fuchs (F) is also questionable due to a toe injury, which could further limit Rhode Island’s frontcourt depth.
Loyola Chicago Ramblers: Kymany Houinsou (G) is out indefinitely with a leg injury, and Justin Moore (G) is out for the season. These absences will impact Loyola’s depth, but they still have enough talent to compete at a high level.

Coaching and Strategy

Head coach David Cox of Rhode Island will look to push the pace and exploit the gaps in Loyola’s defense. His offensive schemes focus on getting out in transition and utilizing the three-point shot to create scoring opportunities. However, if Loyola slows the game down, Cox will need to adjust and ensure that his team doesn’t get frustrated or start rushing shots.

On the other side, Drew Valentine of Loyola Chicago will stick to his defensive-minded approach, looking to limit Rhode Island’s fast-break points and force the Rams into a half-court game. Loyola will look to control tempo and keep the game in the 60-70 point range, where they have been most effective this season.

Home Court Advantage

Loyola Chicago has been a tough team to beat at home this season, boasting an 8-1 record at the Gentile Center. The crowd support, coupled with the familiarity of playing on their home floor, gives Loyola an edge in this matchup. Rhode Island will have to overcome this challenge on the road if they are to come out with a victory.

Prediction: Under 145.5 Total Points

Considering all factors – offensive and defensive efficiency, recent scoring trends, and the coaching approach – the total points for this game are expected to fall under 145.5.

Prediction Models’ Projections

KenPom: Rhode Island 74, Loyola Chicago 69
Sagarin Ratings: Rhode Island 73, Loyola Chicago 71
Torvik: Rhode Island 72, Loyola Chicago 70
Haslametrics: Rhode Island 71, Loyola Chicago 69
Bart Torvik: Rhode Island 72, Loyola Chicago 70

The models consistently predict a total score ranging from 139 to 145 points, reinforcing the under 145.5 prediction.

Final Thoughts

This game has all the makings of a tightly contested battle. Rhode Island’s high-powered offense faces off against Loyola’s suffocating defense, and the outcome will likely come down to which team can dictate the pace and execute their game plan. Rhode Island has the offensive firepower, but Loyola’s defense and home-court advantage give them a slight edge in this matchup.

Expect a low-to-mid 70s game with both teams working hard to score in different ways. Rhode Island will likely try to push the pace, but Loyola’s defense will limit their fast-break opportunities and make them work for every basket. With both teams’ recent performances and styles of play, the game could be decided in the final minutes, but Loyola Chicago’s defense and home court edge make them the favorites to come away with a hard-fought win.

PICK: under 145.5 total points