Loyola-Chicago Basketball: Ramblers’ keys to beating Nevada
While many fans are surprised to see Loyola-Chicago and Nevada competing for an Elite Eight berth, both squads have had excellent seasons. The Ramblers will advance on the strength of their defense, among other keys.
Loyola-Chicago has been one of this tournament’s darlings so far. This is justified given the program’s mid-major roots, its internationally-celebrated team chaplain, and its two exciting first weekend wins.
However, don’t be fooled by the Ramblers’ darling status. This squad is fully capable of winning the South regional in Atlanta and heading to the program’s second Final Four. First, the Ramblers must defeat the Nevada Wolf Pack. The Ramblers will be able to do so by following a formula of defense, slow tempo, and excellent ball movement.
Defense
The Ramblers’ defense has been the primary key to their success this season. They have one of the stingiest defenses in the nation in many categories. They are fifth in scoring defense, they have committed the second-fewest fouls per game, and they rank 27th in adjusted defensive efficiency.
The Wolf Pack attempt 22 free throws per game so the Ramblers’ ability to defend without fouling will be especially valuable. Without the benefit of earning easy points at the line, Nevada’s high-scoring offense may be subdued. The Ramblers’ excellent field-goal percentage defense (41.6%) and superior rebounding ability will also be major factors.
The Wolf Pack have committed the fewest turnovers among teams still in the tournament, which make them tough to defend. However, the Ramblers’ defensive scheme is not reliant upon high-turnover rates. Whether Nevada is careful with the ball or not. the Wolf Pack will still have difficulty scoring against the Ramblers’ defense.
Slow tempo
Loyola-Chicago’s ability to control the pace is going to be an essential component of its gameplan versus Nevada. An up-and-down, high-scoring game favors the Wolf Pack. The Ramblers will look to slow the game down and confine it to halfcourt possessions. The lower the final score is, the better the Ramblers’ chance of victory is.
One way in which the Ramblers can establish their preferred pace is by dominating on the boards. They will succeed in slowing the game if they prevent Nevada from winning offensive rebounds. Furthermore, they will also slow the game down by winning their own offensive rebounds and retaining possession. If Loyola-Chicago consistently scores second-chance points, the Ramblers will systematically wear down this offensive-minded Nevada squad.
Keep the ball moving
The Ramblers have assisted on 75% of their baskets during this tournament. Their unselfish play leads to a balanced scoring effort. It also keeps defenses honest as every player must be accounted for. Additionally, it makes the defense expend energy with the need for constant rotations. The Wolf Pack will attempt to speed up the Ramblers, but will find it challenging to do so if Loyola-Chicago is milking each offensive possession.
In the win over Tennessee, the Ramblers were zipping the ball around the court and consistently made the extra pass and found the best shot. Their offense succeeded in generating open looks against an elite Volunteers’ defense so they should see clean looks against Nevada’s defense.
With the Ramblers’ offensive philosophy and style of play, they feature a different star each night. Aundre Jackson was the star in the win over Tennessee; Clayton Custer and Donte Ingram have been the late-game heroes in the two tournament wins; Cameron Krutwig, Marques Townes, and Ben Richardson have been steady contributors for this team all season.
Next: Ranking the 4 South Region teams
Which player will come up big versus the Wolf Pack? I think Richardson will be a key guy because of his defense against (likely) Caleb Martin and his ability to stretch the floor. However, there are so many options with the squad. Unfortunately for Nevada, they’ll have to account for all of them.
Game info: Thursday 3/22, 7:07pm EST, CBS, Atlanta, GA