Who's Playing

Illinois State @ Loyola Chicago

Current Records: Illinois State 10-12; Loyola Chicago 16-4

What to Know

The Illinois State Redbirds haven't won a matchup against the Loyola Chicago Ramblers since Feb. 2 of 2019, but they'll be looking to end the drought on Wednesday. The Redbirds and Loyola Chicago will face off in a Missouri Valley battle at 8 p.m. ET at Joseph J. Gentile Center. Given that both teams suffered a loss in their last game, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this contest.

Illinois State received a tough blow on Saturday as they fell 79-64 to the Northern Iowa Panthers. Guard Josiah Strong had a pretty forgettable game, playing for 34 minutes but putting up just four points on 2-for-11 shooting.

Meanwhile, Loyola Chicago came up short against the Drake Bulldogs on Sunday, falling 77-68. Loyola Chicago got double-digit scores from four players: forward Chris Knight (15), guard Braden Norris (12), guard Marquise Kennedy (12), and guard Lucas Williamson (11).

Illinois State is the clear underdog, so they're hoping it's the size of the fight that determines this one. Those playing the odds have seen things go back and forth with the Redbirds, who are 10-9-1 against the spread.

Illinois State is now 10-12 while the Ramblers sit at 16-4. A couple defensive stats to keep in the back of your head while watching: Illinois State is 16th worst in college basketball in points allowed per game, with 76.7 on average. Loyola Chicago's defense has more to brag about, as they they enter the game with only 61.9 points allowed per game on average, good for 24th best in college basketball. So the cards are definitely stacked in their favor.

How To Watch

  • When: Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET
  • Where: Joseph J. Gentile Center -- Chicago, Illinois
  • Follow: CBS Sports App

Odds

The Ramblers are a big 14.5-point favorite against the Redbirds, according to the latest college basketball odds.

The oddsmakers were right in line with the betting community on this one, as the game opened as a 14.5-point spread, and stayed right there.

Over/Under: -110

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Series History

Loyola Chicago have won eight out of their last 13 games against Illinois State.

  • Dec 28, 2020 - Loyola Chicago 86 vs. Illinois State 55
  • Dec 27, 2020 - Loyola Chicago 90 vs. Illinois State 60
  • Feb 19, 2020 - Loyola Chicago 84 vs. Illinois State 69
  • Jan 19, 2020 - Loyola Chicago 62 vs. Illinois State 50
  • Feb 02, 2019 - Illinois State 65 vs. Loyola Chicago 57
  • Jan 12, 2019 - Loyola Chicago 67 vs. Illinois State 64
  • Mar 04, 2018 - Loyola Chicago 65 vs. Illinois State 49
  • Feb 24, 2018 - Loyola Chicago 68 vs. Illinois State 61
  • Jan 10, 2018 - Loyola Chicago 68 vs. Illinois State 61
  • Feb 19, 2017 - Illinois State 65 vs. Loyola Chicago 63
  • Jan 01, 2017 - Illinois State 81 vs. Loyola Chicago 59
  • Feb 03, 2016 - Illinois State 78 vs. Loyola Chicago 70
  • Jan 06, 2016 - Illinois State 54 vs. Loyola Chicago 52

Injury Report for Loyola Chicago

No Injury Information

Injury Report for Illinois State

  • Sy Chatman: Out for the Season (Knee)