The Loyola Chicago Ramblers aim to stay hot as they face the San Jose State Spartans in the opening round of the NIT tonight.
My Loyola Chicago vs. San Jose State predictions expect the Atlantic 10 representative to stay aflame in a game against a beatable opponent.
See why in my college basketball picks for Wednesday, March 19.
Who will win Loyola Chicago vs San Jose State?
Loyola Chicago will survive and advance. This team sprinted straight through the finish line whereas its opponent, San Jose State, limped through it (3-7 in its last 10 games).
The Ramblers are in better form, have better metrics and record, and possess what it takes to move past a 15-19 opponent.
Loyola Chicago vs San Jose State prediction
My best bet: Loyola Chicago -3 (-110 at bet365)
Mostly everything points toward the Loyola Chicago Ramblers in this matchup, so why is the line a measly three points in their favor?
It seems to be an overcorrection by the bookmakers as the San Jose State Spartans are a profitable 22-9-1 ATS on the year. Tim Miles’ squad was repeatedly disrespected by the bookmakers, but don’t let that make you believe they’re something special heading into the postseason.
San Jose State checks in at 190th in BartTorvik since February 1, a good 128 spots behind Loyola Chicago. The Spartans have been putrid on offense (240th in adjusted efficiency) and will probably struggle to score against a stingy Ramblers defense (39th in adjusted efficiency).
Although the Spartans routinely covered the spread in their home confines of the Providence Credit Union Event Center (10-4 ATS), the Ramblers won’t bow down easily. Drew Valentine’s squad went 7-3 ATS on the road, so I hardly think they’ll be cowed by this environment in the NIT.
They’re playing with extreme confidence, winning eight of their last 10 games while going 12-2 ATS in their last 14. They rank 29th in Haslametrics’ momentum metric thanks to this hot stretch.
Loyola Chicago won’t blow you away offensively, but it shoots 35.4% from 3-point range and ranks 48th in mid-range field goal percentage per Haslametrics.
San Jose State isn’t anything special defensively on paper, so there’s more reason to think that the Ramblers successfully initiate their offense than there is to think the Spartans suddenly show signs of life on offense.
Give me the Ramblers.
Loyola Chicago vs San Jose State same-game parlay (SGP)
Loyola Chicago -3
First half Under 66.5
Under 141
Neither team likes to push the pace, so this game should be played somewhat leisurely. Considering neither team is an offensive juggernaut and both teams have better analytics on defense, I’m buying the Under.
SJSU tends to get off to low-scoring starts, going 9-12 O/U against the first half total in its last 21 games. Scoring has tended to pick up in the second half, but the numbers don’t support that happening here.
Although San Jose State went 19-12-1 O/U this year, a lot of that is due to bookmakers simply putting the totals too low. There’s been some adjustment lately as the Spartans went 1-3 O/U in their last four games. Loyola Chicago went 0-3 O/U in its final three games, and I’m betting both teams will continue this trend.
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Loyola Chicago vs San Jose State odds
Loyola Chicago vs San Jose State live odds
Loyola Chicago vs San Jose State opening odds
- Spread: Loyola Chicago -1.5 | San Jose State +1.5
- Moneyline: Loyola Chicago -125 | San Jose State +105
- Over/Under: Over 138.5 | Under 138.5
Odds courtesy of bet365
Loyola Chicago vs San Jose State betting trend to know
Loyola Chicago is 12-2 ATS in its last 14 games. Find more college basketball betting trends for Loyola Chicago vs. San Jose State.
How to watch Loyola Chicago vs San Jose State
| Location | Provident Credit Union Event Center, San Jose, CA |
| Date | Wednesday, 3-19-2025 |
| Tip-off | 11:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN2 |
Loyola Chicago vs San Jose State key injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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