A pair of No. 5 seeds face off in the NIT Semifinals, where the Loyola Chicago Ramblers take on the Chattanooga Mocs.
The Ramblers have been on fire since the beginning of January, and my Chattanooga vs. Loyola Chicago predictions expect that to continue.
Here are my best free college basketball picks for this NIT clash on Tuesday, April 1 from Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Who will win Chattanooga vs Loyola Chicago?
Bart Torvik and KenPom, which are generally within a couple points of each other, have a 4-point difference in the projected score for this matchup. Bart Torvik is projecting a 77-74 Loyola win (in line with the odds) while KenPom is projecting a 75-74 victory for Chattanooga.
Ultimately, who you like comes down to whether you think Loyola's stingy defense will hold the Mocs efficient offense in check. With the Ramblers coming out of a tougher conference and having a significant size advantage, I'm backing them to come out on top.
Chattanooga vs Loyola Chicago prediction
My best bet: Loyola -2.5 (-110 at bet365)
The Loyola Chicago Ramblers had an ugly stretch from mid-December until the end of January where they went 4-8 straight up and 3-9 against the spread. They've since turned things around, going 13-3 SU and ATS.
The Chattanooga Mocs are also red-hot, going 15-1 SU and 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games. Their only loss during that span came in overtime and they pulled off seven victories as underdogs.
The Mocs are 32nd in the country in adjusted offense and ninth in 2-point percentage (57.9%). However, the Ramblers are capable of containing that attack. Since the start of February, Loyola is 41st in the country in adjusted defense while ranking 12th in opponent 2PT% (45.1%).
Chattanooga has a small backcourt anchored by 5-foot-10 Honor Huff and 6-foot Trey Bonham. They'll struggle with the length of Loyola's guards, and when the Mocs get into the paint, they'll have to deal with 6-foot-10 center Miles Rubin, who is seventh in the country with 84 blocks.
On the other end of the floor, the Ramblers are solid. Since the start of February, they are 106th in adjusted offense while ranking 90th in effective field goal percentage (53%). They'll put up points against a Mocs squad that is 283rd in adjusted defense and outside the Top 200 in opponent eFG% (51.7%) over the same span.
In addition, the Ramblers come out of the Atlantic-10, which is the sixth-best conference (and the best mid-major conference) per the RPI ratings while the Mocs hail from the Southern Conference, which is ranked 16th.
Chattanooga vs Loyola Chicago same-game parlay (SGP)
Loyola -2.5
Over 148.5
Both teams score 30+ points 1H
With their efficient offense and porous defense, the Mocs have been money for Over bettors. The Over is 16-7 since the start of the New Year for Chattanooga. Meanwhile, the Ramblers are 8-5 O/U in their previous 13 contests.
The Mocs are 69th in the country in first half points per game (36.7) but are also just 249th in first half ppg allowed (35.4 ppg). Meanwhile, the Ramblers average 34.9 ppg in the first half while allowing 32.5. Those numbers indicate that neither side will have issues hitting the 30-plateau in the first 20 minutes.
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Chattanooga vs Loyola Chicago odds
Chattanooga vs Loyola Chicago live odds
Chattanooga vs Loyola Chicago opening odds
- Spread: Chattanooga +2.5 | Loyola Chicago -2.5
- Moneyline: Chattanooga +110 | Loyola Chicago -135
- Over/Under: Over 146.5 | Under 146.5
Odds courtesy of bet365
Chattanooga vs Loyola Chicago betting trend to know
Loyola Chicago has covered the spread in 14 of its last 17 games (+10.70 Units / 57% ROI). Find more college basketball betting trends for Chattanooga vs. Loyola Chicago.
How to watch Chattanooga vs Loyola Chicago
| Location | Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN |
| Date | Tuesday, 4-1-2025 |
| Tip-off | 9:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN2 |
Chattanooga vs Loyola Chicago key injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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