San Francisco vs Loyola-Chicago Prediction College Basketball Picks 12/15/24

The San Francisco Dons are visiting the Loyola-Chicago Ramblers on Sunday, December 15th at the Fiserv Forum. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a San Francisco Dons vs Loyola-Chicago Ramblers Prediction.

Loyola-Chicago Ramblers Preview

The Loyola-Chicago Ramblers have a perfect 8-0 record this season and are coming off a 74-72 win over South Florida. The Ramblers are 3-4 against the spread, and 2-4-1 in over/under, while they have a 7-0 home record. 

Offensively, Loyola-Chicago is averaging 82.4 points per game, which ranks 50th in the nation. Defensively, they allow 63.6 points per game (28th). The Ramblers shoot 48.3% from the field (54th) and 36.3% from beyond the arc (95th). The Ramblers shoot 67.4% from the free-throw line (289th) and are grabbing 38.6 rebounds per game (88th).

Desmond Watson leads Loyola-Chicago in scoring, with an average of 12.1 points and 3.6 rebounds, while Jayden Dawson adds 12 points. 

San Francisco Dons Preview

The San Francisco Dons have an 8-2 record this season and are coming off a 68-52 win over Stanislaus State. The Dons are 5-4 against the spread, and 4-5 in over/under, while playing their first road game of the season.

Offensively, San Francisco is averaging 77.3 points per game, which ranks 147th in the nation. Defensively, they allow 61.6 points per game (18th). The Dons shoot 48.9% from the field (39th) and 35% from beyond the arc (130th). The Dons shoot 67.9% from the free-throw line (273rd) and are grabbing 36.8 rebounds per game (176th).

Malik Thomas leads San Francisco in scoring this season, with 17 points and 3.3 rebounds, while Marcus Williams adds 12.1 points and a team-high 4.1 assists.

Why the Loyola Ramblers will win

• Loyola (IL) has won each of its last eight games.
• San Francisco has lost each of its last three night games played at neutral venues.
• Loyola (IL) has won the first half in seven of its last eight games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why the San Francisco Dons will win

• San Francisco has won each of its last four games.
• Loyola (IL) has lost five of its last six games played at neutral venues.
• San Francisco has won the first half in each of its last 11 games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.

Total Points Facts

• Seven of Loyola (IL)’s last eight games have produced a total of 141+ points.
• Each of San Francisco’s last four night games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue have produced a total of 134 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Loyola (IL) ranks T4th among Division 1 teams for assists per game this season (20.0).
• Loyola (IL) ranks 16th among Division 1 teams for assist-to-turnover ratio this season (1.74).
• San Francisco ranks 9th among Division 1 teams for opponent assist-to-turnover ratio this season (0.64).
• San Francisco ranks 18th among Division 1 teams for opponent points per game this season (61.6).

San Francisco Dons vs Loyola-Chicago Ramblers Prediction

Loyola-Chicago has won all three previous meetings against San Francisco but is 1-2 against the spread. In this San Francisco Dons vs Loyola-Chicago Ramblers Prediction, San Francisco is coming as -3 road favorites. Loyola-Chicago is better offensively, scoring 5.1 points more than San Francisco, while San Francisco is better defensively, allowing 2 points less. Both teams have been elite defensively, as they rank in the top 30 of the nation, with 125.2 points per game allowed combined. Both teams have also been involved in low-scoring games lately, as they are 9-3 to the under in their last 12 games combined, and I expect this trend to continue in this game as well. Take the under.

Nikos Lagouretos's Pick: Under 139.5