Dayton Flyers (21-5) vs. Loyola Chicago Ramblers (20-7)
The Dayton Flyers and the Loyola Chicago Ramblers are set to clash in an intriguing NCAA Men’s Basketball showdown on Friday. The Flyers, boasting a commendable 21-5 record, are gearing up to face the Ramblers, who have also had a notable season with a 20-7 standing. This matchup promises to be a pivotal game for both teams as they aim for supremacy. Fans and bettors alike are keenly awaiting this face-off, making it a hot topic for daily NCAAB picks.
The Flyers come into this game averaging 73.7 points on 47.3% shooting from the field. They excel at moving the ball (14.7 assists per game) and crashing the offensive boards (8.4 per game). Dayton’s calling card is interior defense, averaging a stout 4 blocks per contest. Turnovers have plagued them at times though, giving it away 9.5 times per outing.
Loyola Chicago has been nearly as efficient on offense, averaging 74.1 points on 46.4% from the floor. They also share the ball well (17 assists per game) and provide second chance opportunities (8.7 offensive rebounds per game). The Ramblers’ biggest strengths are their perimeter shooting (35.9% 3PT) and ability to generate steals (6.7 per game). Like Dayton though, turnovers have been an issue at 12.8 per contest.
Dayton Flyers vs. Loyola Chicago Ramblers Game Info
| When: | Friday, March 1, 2024 at 9:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Joseph J. Gentile Center |
| TV: | ESP2 |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
DaRon Holmes II (Forward) vs. Philip Alston (Forward)
DaRon Holmes II has been the engine behind Dayton’s success this season, averaging 31.8 minutes, 20.2 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. He has excellent shooting efficiency with a 55.3 FG% and impacts games on the defensive end as well with 0.8 steals and 2.2 blocks. His athleticism and 7’1″ wingspan make him a force in the paint. Holmes’ high turnover rate (2.1 per game) is his biggest weakness.
Philip Alston puts up 12.9 points, 4.4 boards and 0.9 assists in just 24 minutes per outing. He has been an efficient secondary scorer for Loyola Chicago, shooting 46.2% from the field and 62.5% on free throws. His perimeter shooting can be streaky though, evidenced by a mediocre 23.2 3PT%. Alston lacks size at the forward spot so he could struggle to contain the bigger Holmes on the glass and around the rim.
This matchup pits Dayton’s elite interior scorer against Loyola Chicago’s versatile stretch forward. Holmes has a major size advantage, while Alston is the superior outside shooter. Points in the paint figure to play a huge role, so Holmes’ ability to own the block will be key. But Alston can pull him away from the hoop with his shooting. Foul trouble would greatly hinder either side here as well. In the end, Holmes should be able to exploit his matchup enough to give Dayton an edge.
NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
As the betting odds and point spread are yet to be determined, bettors are advised to keep a close eye on updates. The performance trends and key player matchups will play a significant role in shaping the odds.
Dayton Flyers Betting Trends
The Flyers have been inconsistent lately, going just 3-2 in their last 5 contests. While they’ve fared well against the spread at home, they are only 2-3 ATS over their last 5 games. The over has hit in 3 of their last 5 outings as well.
Loyola Chicago Ramblers Betting Trends
Meanwhile, Loyola Chicago comes into this showdown red-hot, having won 5 consecutive games outright and covering in each. The Ramblers have been solid at home ATS too, going 6-3 this season. With two talented offenses, the over could hit again after doing so in 2 of Loyola’s previous 5 contests.
Dayton Flyers vs. Loyola Chicago Ramblers 3/1/24 Betting Picks
This Friday night clash features two skilled teams who have been strong against the spread this season. Loyola Chicago rides a 5-game win streak both straight up and ATS into this contest. Meanwhile, Dayton has proven capable of scoring in bunches while also protecting their home court. With odds still to be determined at the time of writing, there appear to be strong cases to make for both squads.
As one of the best online casino betting options for March 1st’s college hoops slate, the underdog Loyola Chicago Ramblers present value. The Flyers may have the more talented individual players, but Loyola plays with discipline and pace, two crucial elements for covering spreads. Back the red-hot Ramblers who have already beaten quality competition like Drake and Missouri State over the past two weeks.
