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The Loyola Chicago Ramblers will play the host of Southern Illinois Salukis for a MVC Conference battle Friday.
The Ramblers are tied with the Drake Bulldogs for first place in the MVC but must close their university season strong to maintain the pressure. Their clash against the Salukis will be the first in a two-game series to close both teams’ regular season schedules.
Match details
Fixation: Southern Illinois Salukis vs Loyola Chicago Ramblers – NCAA Men’s Basketball
Date and hour: Friday, February 26, 2021, 9 p.m. ET
Location: Joseph J. Gentile Arena, Chicago, Illinois
Overview of the Southern Illinois Salukis
After a narrow victory in their last game, the Southern Illinois Salukis hope to continue climbing the standings as they close out the regular season. The Salukis have yet to play the Loyola Chicago Ramblers, but they appear to be a huge underdog on paper.
The Southern Illinois Salukis went 5-11 against opponents in the conference, struggling to produce offensively at times. They need to bring their best basketball with them on Friday if they are to compete with the Loyola Chicago Ramblers.
Key player – Lance Jones
With leading scorer Marcus Domask still with a foot injury, Lance Jones will have to take command of the southern Illinois offense.
The 6’1 “second has put up some solid numbers, averaging 13 points on 38% shots so far.
Although Lance Jones did his part offensively, the Salukis struggled to create baskets as a team. The second-year goaltender will need a career performance if his team is to compete with the Loyola Chicago Ramblers.
Southern Illinois Salukis Predicted Programming
F Anthony D’Avanzo, VS Kyler Filewich, g Steven Verplancken Jr., g Trent Brown, g Lance Jones
Preview of Loyola Chicago Ramblers
After splitting a two-game set with the Drake Bulldogs, the Loyola Chicago Ramblers returned to their home turf and defeated Valparaiso. The win tied the Ramblers for first place in the conference, with just two games to go.
The Chicago Loyola Ramblers should have the advantage at both ends of the field against the Southern Illinois Salukis, but they still have to play a solid, clean game to come away with a win. The Ramblers have stayed under the radar but could end up atop the MVC if they stay warm at home.
Key player – Cameron Krutwig
Loyola Chicago Ramblers big man star Cameron Krutwig maintained the paint all season, leading his team in scoring and rebounding.
The senior center averages 15 points and 6.6 boards per game, shooting an impressive 58.5% from the field.
Standing at 6’9 “, Krutwig will be at a slight disadvantage in this game against the Southern Illinois Salukis.
However, Cameron Krutwig probably won’t pay attention to the size difference and will play for his team’s 20th win of the season.
Chicago Ramblers predicted lineup
F Aher Uguak, VS Cameron Krutwig, g Keith Clemons, g Braden Norris, g Lucas williamson
Prediction Southern Illinois vs Loyola Chicago
Barring a major breakdown on both sides of the floor, the Loyola Chicago Ramblers look like big favorites in this game. The Southern Illinois Salukis struggled against MVC conference opponents, while the Ramblers dominated them.
The Loyola Chicago Ramblers are expected to get a solid performance from Cameron Krutwig on their way to their 15th conference victory.
Where to watch Southern Illinois vs Loyola Chicago
The game will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network.
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