We remember what happened last time Dayton and Loyola Chicago played, right?
This was the win that helped spark Dayton’s bounce back from a tough start to conference play. The Flyers (18-8, 8-5) were 1-3 in Atlantic 10 play but have since gone 7-2, starting with that W against this Loyola squad, who they’ll visit again tonight.
Loyola (17-9, 8-5) has been playing well recently and has won five of its last six. Two of the Ramblers’ last three losses have come to overtime, including that loss to Dayton.
These teams are tied for third place in the conference standings, so this game could prove pivotal for the conference tournament seeding.
Dayton at Loyola Chicago Odds
Dayton is a 1.5-point college basketball odds favorite on BetMGM against Loyola Chicago while the Over/Under is at 141.5.
The Moneyline for Dayton is at -130 and at +110 for Loyola Chicago.
Dayton at Loyola On TV
The matchup between Dayton and Loyola Chicago will be televised on ESPN2.
Tonight’s game tips off at 7 p.m. ET.
Dayton at Loyola Chicago Prediction
I predict Dayton gets a road win here. I also predict for this game to go under 141.5 points.
The Flyers have one of the most efficient offenses in the conference while having one of the most disruptive defenses. Per KenPom, their offensive adjusted efficiency of 109.8 ranks second in the league and they force turnovers at the highest rate (20.1%).
The Ramblers’ defense is decent, giving up 71 points per game and allowing opponents to shoot 43.1% from the field in conference play. However, they turn the ball over on 18.7% of their possessions, which is the 10th worst mark in the A-10. I think the Flyers’ active, high-pressure defense will force the Ramblers into mistakes, which the Flyers will be able to take advantage of.
These are the two best 3-point shooting teams in the conference, as well, with Dayton shooting 36.2% from the arc and Loyola Chicago shooting at a 35.4% mark. Loyola is shooting 41.6% from deep over its last three games, however. I expect this number to regress some.
The Flyers also have the second-highest free-throw rate in the league of 39.3, and 22% of their points come via the free-throw line. The Ramblers have struggled with fouls this season, so I anticipate Dayton to get to the line often.
Loyola is led by a trio of guards who can all score at a high level. Junior guard Jayden Dawson averages a team-best 13.7 PPG while Des Watson scores 12.8 PPG and Sheldon Edwards Jr. scores 12.4 PPG.
It’ll be a tough matchup for these three, though, against a trio of Dayton guards in Enoch Cheeks, Javon Bennett, and Malachi Smith who are great defenders and force a lot of those turnovers. Forward Nate Santos leads the Flyers with 13.8 PPG while Cheeks averages 12.9 points and six rebounds per game.
This is a tricky spot to back the Flyers, considering Loyola is playing well and the way it lost the previous meeting, but I think Dayton is the better team and will prove that tonight.
Dayton is 4-4 against the spread on the road and Loyola Chicago is 5-10 ATS at home.
