| MATCHUP | Loyola Chicago Ramblers | Dayton Flyers |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 5-13 | 13-4 |
| Spread | +17.5 -110 | -17.5 -110 |
| Moneyline | +1300 | -2800 |
| Total | Over 142.5 (-108) | Under 142.5 (-112) |
| Where | UD Arena, Dayton, OH | |
| When | Friday, January 16, 2026 | |
| Time | 08:30 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN2 | |
The Loyola Ramblers and the Dayton Flyers meet Friday in college basketball action from UD Arena. Here’s a Loyola vs Dayton prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Loyola vs Dayton 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.
Loyola Ramblers Betting Preview
The Ramblers beat Cleveland State in their opener this year, then hit the skids with losses in each of the next seven games. A 4-2 run came next with wins over Central Michigan, Princeton, Santa Clara and Rhode Island (and losses to Chicago State and San Francisco). After falling versus Dayton, Davidson and George Washington the Ramblers were sitting at 5-12 over their first 17 games of the year.
In the George Mason matchup on Tuesday the Ramblers held a 47-41 lead by the end of the first half. Loyola was overtaken in the second however, getting outscored 41-27 the rest of the way in an 82-74 loss. Nic Anderson was tops on the team with his 17 points and seven boards in 35 minutes of action during the loss. Kymany Houinsou added 15 points, six assists and three rebounds.
Dayton Flyers Betting Preview
Over on the Dayton side, they posted a solid 6-1 start this year. The only loss during that time came versus Cincinnati on November 11. The Flyers hit a 1-2 run with losses to BYU and Virginia after that, then won five of the next six versus North Florida, Florida State, Fordham, Loyola and George Washington. Over the first 16 games Dayton managed to put a 12-4 record in the books.
Matched up against Duquesne on Tuesday the Flyers posted a 33-24 edge in the first half. Dayton was outscored 41-38 the rest of the way but managed to power out the 71-65 win in the end. Tops in scoring during the road victory was Keonte Jones with 15 points and five rebounds. Javon Bennett was close behind on his 14 points, five rebounds and two assists for the Flyers.
Loyola Ramblers @ Dayton Flyers Betting Trends: January 16, 2026
Why the Dayton Flyers will win
- Dayton has won 41 of its last 44 games at University of Dayton Arena.
- Loyola (IL) has lost each of its last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Loyola (IL) has lost the first half in seven of its last eight night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Why the Loyola Ramblers will win
- Loyola (IL) has won 15 of its last 20 night games against the Atlantic 10 Conference.
Loyola vs Dayton Prediction
I’ll probably just stick with Dayton. The Flyers dropped off a bit in the second half of their win over Duquesne this week but played quite well for a road matchup—even against a middling Dukes team. Dayton shot 43.5 percent from the field with 40 percent (8-of-20) from outside and 82.1 percent (23-of-28) from the line. The Flyers had a 30-24 rebounding advantage and just nine turnovers along the way. Dayton has won four straight games now, scoring 70 or more points in each of the last three.
These teams last saw each other very recently in a close 70-68 January 3 road win for the Flyers. In that one Dayton shot quite poorly (37.5 percent) and got out-rebounded 37-23. The major differences came with turnovers (15 for Loyola and just five for Dayton) and the Flyers’ excellent performance from the line (21-of-25 for 84 percent). Dayton has a lot of improving to do for the home rematch but I think they can pull it off in the end.