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2018 March Madness Betting Prediction: Loyola-Chicago vs. Nevada

2018 March Madness: Loyola-Chicago vs. Nevada

Written by on March 20, 2018

March Madness, NCAA Basketball Betting News
We are in what is always one of the worst times for all March Madness betting enthusiasts, which is the few days between the end of the second round and the start of the Sweet 16. This is especially true when the first two rounds have been as dramatic as these two have been. After all, we got to see a little bit of history being made, with #16 UMBC becoming the first team ever to take down a #1 seed in the opening round, with the Virginia Cavaliers being the victims. As big as that win was, it is not UMBC, who went out in round 2, who are making all the headlines. That distinction goes to the Loyola-Chicago Ramblers, a #11 seed who have now caused two upsets thus far, clearly defining themselves as the Cinderella team of the 2018 college basketball tournament. A trip to the Elite Eight seemed like a real flight of fancy for this team coming in, but a win over the #7 seeded Nevada Wolf Pack could make it a reality. The Wolf Pack are in as a 1 ½ point favorite for this one.

Ramblers vs. Wolf Pack 2018 March Madness Betting Prediction

  • When: Thursday, March 22 at 7:07 PM EST
  • Where: Philips Arena, Atlanta
  • TV: CBS
  • Radio: TuneIn
  • Live Stream: MM Live
  • March Madness Betting Odds: Nevada Wolf Pack -1.5 (Over/Under at 143.5)

Michigan vs. Texas A&M Game Info, NCAAB Betting Odds & Pick

Team Records

  • All: Loyola-Chicago Ramblers 30-5 / Nevada Wolf Pack 29-7
  • Home: Loyola-Chicago Ramblers 19-1 / Nevada Wolf Pack 17-3
  • Away: Loyola-Chicago Ramblers 11-4 / Nevada Wolf Pack 12-4
  • ATS: Loyola-Chicago Ramblers 22-9 / Nevada Wolf Pack 18-14-3
  • Over/Under: Loyola-Chicago Ramblers 12-19 / Nevada Wolf Pack 19-16

Why bet on the Loyola-Chicago Ramblers?

What’s not to love about the team that everyone has taken to their hearts this postseason? They are playing with grit and determination and are being cheered on by the 98-year old school chaplain Sister Jean from the sidelines. The Ramblers are the story of the tournament to this point, but you need to wonder just how long they can keep it going. Their win over #6 Miami in the opening round was one that a lot of people, we included, predicted, but very few people had them beating Tennessee in the last round. They got through that one by the skin of their teeth and are beginning to look a little bit like a team of destiny. The fear here is that the few days off will have given these players some time to start believing their own press. Can they stay humble and keep the good times rolling?

Team Statistics

Offense
  • Total Score: 71.91
  • Field Goal Percentage: 50.58
  • Three-Point Percentage: 39.76
  • Free Throw Percentage: 71.84
  • Total Rebounds: 32.03
Defense
  • Total Score: 62.23
  • Field Goal Percentage: 41.60
  • Three-Point Percentage: 33.19
  • Free Throw Percentage: 69.73
  • Total Rebounds: 30.57

Why bet on the Nevada Wolf Pack?

Despite being the slight favorite here, there are a lot of folks looking at the Nevada Wolf Pack as a bit of an underdog here, such is the hype surrounding the Ramblers. Nevada will be fine with that, as they are doing all their talking on the court. The Wolf Pack are a team that plays all the way to the end, and they have been forced to do that in both their games this tournament, as both have been very tight affairs. Nevada comes in as slight March Madness Betting favorite against Loyola-Chicago. They got the ball rolling with an 87-81 win over Texas in the first round before following that up with a stunning 75-73 win over the Cincinnati Bearcats. This side of the bracket is wide open, and the Wolf Pack will like their chances of a Final Four spot id they can get past the pesky Ramblers.

Team Statistics

Offense
  • Total Score: 82.97
  • Field Goal Percentage: 47.02
  • Three-Point Percentage: 39.57
  • Free Throw Percentage: 73.93
  • Total Rebounds: 35.94
Defense
  • Total Score: 73.17
  • Field Goal Percentage: 43.03
  • Three-Point Percentage: 31.58
  • Free Throw Percentage: 70.85
  • Total Rebounds: 36.50

Latest March Madness Betting Trends

  • Loyola-Chicago is 4-1 SU and 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games as an underdog
  • Loyola-Chicago is 15-4 ATS in its last 19 games
  • Nevada is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games
  • Nevada is 17-4 SU in its last 21 games
  • The total has gone OVER in 4 of Nevada’s last 6 games

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

The opening line on this game is tight and for a very good reason. I would not be stunned to see this game end on a buzzer beater, as I think it’s going to stay close throughout. I think Nevada will win, but I am hedging my bets and taking the Ramblers to cover. Score: Loyola-Chicago Ramblers 71 – Nevada Wolf Pack 72
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