Lafayette vs. Loyola-Maryland - 2/22/20 College Basketball Pick, Odds, and Prediction
Photo by Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Loyola-Maryland Greyhounds (14-14) at Lafayette Leopards (17-9)
College Basketball: Saturday, February 22, 2020 at 2:00 pm (Kirby Sports Center)
The Line: Lafayette Leopards -5 -- Over/Under: 148 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: Lafayette Sports Network; PLN Stream College Basketball all season on ESPN+. Sign up now! 
The Loyola (MD) Greyhounds will travel to the Kirby Sports Center to take on the Lafayette Leopards this Sunday afternoon in College Basketball action.
The Loyola (MD) Greyhounds won their 2nd straight game and improved to 14-14 (6-9 Patriot) on the season after defeating the Army Black Knights, 81-77, this past Wednesday. Loyola (MD) trailed by a 66-57 margin midway through the 2nd half, however, were outstanding offensively down the stretch and sealed the victory after a KaVaughn Scott FT made it two-possession game with just :04 seconds left in regulation. Loyola (MD) shot 50.0% from the field and outrebounded Army by a 42-32 margin in the victory. Leading the way for the Greyhounds was Andrew Kostecka who had 17 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.
On the season, Loyola (MD) is averaging 74.1 ppg on 47.2% shooting from the field. The Greyhounds are averaging 6.8 three-pointers per game on 32.6% shooting from beyond the arc. Offensively, Loyola (MD) has been led by Andrew Kostecka (20.7 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.7 apg, 2.0 spg), Santi Aldama (12.8 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.7 bpg), and Isaiah Hart (9.8 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 3.2 apg).
Defensively, Loyola (MD) is allowing their opponents to average 75.4 ppg on 44.4% shooting from the field. The Greyhounds have a rebound margin of -1.2 and a turnover margin of -0.7.
The Lafayette Leopards won their 2nd straight game and improved to 17-9 (9-6 Patriot) on the season after defeating the Boston University Terriers, 61-59, this past Wednesday night. Lafayette dominated Boston University in the 1st half and was able to hang on late after holding a 59-49 lead with 6:41 left in regulation. Lafayette shot 43.6% from the field and committed just 7 turnovers in the victory. Leading the way for the Leopards was E.J. Stephens who had 27 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals.
On the season, Lafayette is averaging 71.1 ppg on 46.0% shooting from the field. The Leopards are averaging 8.9 three-pointers per game on 35.3% shooting from beyond the arc. Offensively, Lafayette has been led by Justin Jaworski (17.1 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.0 spg), E.J. Stephens (11.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.1 apg), and Myles Cherry (10.3 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 2.3 apg).
Defensively, Lafayette is allowing their opponents to average 68.0 ppg on 42.2% shooting from the field. The Leopards have a rebound margin of -0.2 and a turnover margin of -2.5.
The Greyhounds are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games, however, are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games against Lafayette. The Leopards are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games and 7-3 ATS in their last 10 home games.
Loyola (MD) comes into this game ranked 100th in scoring offense, 25th in FG%, and 309th in scoring defense.
Lafayette comes into this match-up ranked 182nd in scoring offense, 61st in FG%, and T-142nd in scoring defense.
Lafayette has dominated this series ATS, however, the Greyhounds have been playing well as of late, winning 5 of their last 6 games including an 84-80 win over the Patriot leading Colgate Raiders. Lafayette is a balanced team, however, as I think the Greyhounds will have some success on the offensive end, I’m taking Loyola (MD) and the points. Good Luck!
Brett’s Pick Loyola (MD) Greyhounds +5
AUTHOR: Brett Nault
Mitch's Take...
