Kansas State vs. Loyola Chicago: NCAA Tournament game preview, schedule and prediction

Key players for Loyola-Chicago

Starting off, this was hard to do, simply because there isn’t that one guy who does all the work. It’s a balanced team, and that balance is the reason why the Ramblers have been so successful this season. Five guys average double figures for the season, and throughout the games, there’s been a different guy to step up for the team. But I’ve selected a few that will have the biggest impact on this game.

Clayton Custer JR Guard

The heart and soul of the team, Custer was named the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year after leading the Ramblers to the regular-season title. He leads the team in both scoring and assists and hit the game-winning shot to beat Tennessee in the Round of 32. His averages of 13 ppg won’t wow you, but his efficient 16/24 (66%) will.

Aundre Jackson SO Forward

He started some, but for the most part, Jackson has been the outstanding sixth man for Loyola-Chicago. He’s a versatile player who can play and guard multiple positions while scoring in double figures in each game off the bench.

Cameron Krutwig FR Center

The only true center for Loyola-Chicago, he had a decisive advantage down low against the undersized Wolf Pack. Kansas State has just Mawien, so if Krutwig can win that battle, it can open things up for the guards to make Kansas State pay.