Chicago State vs Loyola Chicago Prediction 12/14/2025 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Chicago State Cougars and the Loyola Ramblers meet Sunday in college basketball action from Gentile Arena in Chicago. Here’s a Chicago State vs Loyola prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Chicago State vs Loyola pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.

Chicago State Cougars Betting Preview

Chicago State opened up the year on an eight-game losing skid. After falling to DePaul, Saint Louis, Butler and UIC in their first four outings, the Cougars fell versus Minnesota, Iowa, Fort Wayne and Youngstown State from there. After a win over Xavier IL, Chicago State fell again versus Illinois State. That gives the Cougars a rough 1-9 run across their first 10 games this year so far.

In the Illinois State game last weekend, the Cougars came out of the break with a 45-13 deficit. Chicago State didn’t get any closer than that on a 50-40 run in the second and lost the game handily 95-53. Doyel Cockrill led the team with 13 points and two boards, while CJ Ray had 12 points with eight rebounds. Marcus Tankersley chipped in with 10 points and four rebounds as well.

Loyola Ramblers Betting Preview

Over on the Ramblers’ side, they haven’t had much luck this year either. Loyola beat Cleveland State in their opener, then took seven straight losses versus Mercyhurst, North Texas, Wichita State, Colorado State, Northern Illinois, Northern Iowa and San Jose State from there. The Ramblers have since recovered with a couple of wins over Central Michigan and Princeton though, giving the team a 3-7 overall run in the first 10 outings.

Matched up against Princeton last Saturday, the Ramblers were up by two points heading into the second half. Loyola hit a 43-40 run the rest of the way in a 73-68 win in the end. Justin Moore led the team with 21 points and six assists. Kayde Dotson had 13 points with six boards and Miles Rubin doubled up on 12 points with 10 rebounds in the winning effort for the Ramblers.

Chicago State Cougars @ Loyola Ramblers Betting Trends: December 14, 2025

Why the Loyola Ramblers will win

• Chicago State has lost each of its last 16 road games.
• Loyola (IL) has won each of its last seven day games at Joseph J. Gentile Arena following a home win.
• The home team has won the first half in 10 of Chicago State’s last 11 games.

Why the Chicago State Cougars will win

• Loyola (IL) has lost four of its last five day games against non-Conference opponents.

Chicago State vs Loyola Prediction

I’ll stick with Loyola but I’m probably not touching this one. There’s not a lot to get excited about here with both teams struggling. That said, the Ramblers put up a pretty good effort versus Princeton in their last outing. Loyola hit 50 percent from the field with 32 rebounds and just nine turnovers but the 3-point shooting (6-of-22 for 27.3 percent) and free throws (17-of-26 for 65.4 percent) were fairly spotty. Still, that gives Loyola a combined 156 points over the last two games, a nice total after failing to hit 68 points in the four games prior to those (with fewer than 60 points in three of the four).

As for Chicago State, they got demolished by a pretty good Illinois State team in their last game. The Cougars hit just 29.3 percent from the field with a 43-28 rebounding disadvantage and 14 turnovers. Chicago State was outscored 42-24 in the paint but did quite well from the line at least (14-of-15 for 93.3 percent). Loyola will be a comparatively easier opponent but in all likelihood it’ll still be an uphill climb for Chicago State.

Andrew Jett's Pick: Loyola Ramblers TBA