Match Analysis: Loyola (Chi) Ramblers vs Northern Illinois Huskies – Prediction
Match Details
- Date: November 21, 2025
- Time: 1:00 AM UTC
- Location: Joseph J. Gentile Arena, Chicago, IL
Game Overview
Loyola Chicago Ramblers (1-4 record) host the Northern Illinois Huskies (2-3 record) in a non-conference matchup. Loyola enters on a concerning four-game losing streak, while Northern Illinois has struggled significantly in away games (0-3 record on the road). This matchup features a clear home-court advantage for Loyola, reflected in the substantial -14.5 point spread favoring the Ramblers. Despite their recent struggles, Loyola is favored heavily by oddsmakers, suggesting the bookmakers value home court and Northern Illinois's abysmal road performance.
Key Factors to Consider
- Loyola Chicago is experiencing a significant slump, having lost four consecutive games and posting a 1-4 overall record. However, they maintain a 1-2 home record and show resilience in close games (1-1 in contests decided by 3 points or fewer). The Ramblers average 9.6 made three-pointers per game, which is 1.0 more than Northern Illinois allows. Northern Illinois has won 2 of 3 games but faces a critical weakness: the Huskies are 0-3 away from home, indicating severe road performance issues. Northern Illinois ranks eighth in the MAC with 81.4 points per game and shoots 48.3% from the field, which is 3.9 percentage points above Loyola's defensive average of 44.4%.
- Limited historical data available in provided sources. This appears to be a non-conference matchup without extensive recent rivalry context. Northern Illinois's complete inability to win on the road (0-3) suggests Loyola's home environment will be a significant factor.
- No injury information was provided in available sources. Both teams appear to be at relatively full strength based on available roster data.
- Home-court advantage strongly favors Loyola Chicago. Northern Illinois has zero wins in three away games this season, establishing a clear pattern of road struggles. Loyola's familiarity with Gentile Arena and home crowd support should provide psychological and environmental advantages.
- Loyola has strong motivation to break their four-game losing streak at home against a struggling road team. Northern Illinois needs to demonstrate they can compete away from their home court after an 0-3 start to the season. However, Loyola's motivation appears substantially higher given the home environment and desperate need to end the losing streak.
Odds and Predictions
| Category | Odds | Prediction | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Loyola -1350 / Northern Illinois +800 | Loyola Chicago Ramblers Victory | β β β β β 78% |
| Spread | Loyola -14.5 (-110) / Northern Illinois +14.5 (-110) | Loyola Chicago covers -14.5 | β β β β β 72% |
| Over/under | Over 151.5 (-108) / Under 151.5 (-112) | Under 151.5 | β β β ββ 58% |
Top EV Betting Odds
Discover the best value bets based on our EV analysis.
| Market | EV Pick |
|---|---|
| Moneyline | Loyola (Chi) Ramblers 738% |
| Spread | N/A |
| Over/Under | Under 151.5 -2% |
π₯ Best Value Pick: Loyola (Chi) Ramblers at 738% EV | Suggested Bet Size: 92.2% (Kelly Criterion)
Predicted Outcome
Loyola Chicago Ramblers are heavily favored and should secure a victory at home. The combination of Northern Illinois's 0-3 road record, Loyola's home-court advantage despite their recent struggles, and the significant disparity in road performance strongly supports a Ramblers win. Expect Loyola to win by 10-16 points, capturing the spread and moneyline.
Predicted Score: Loyola Chicago 79 – Northern Illinois 66