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

Predicting how this game will go

For the record, my bracket is in complete shambles like everyone else. But when it comes to these two teams, I didn’t have either leaving the first round! But for the sake of fun, I’ll try to predict this game by the half and see how wrong I am with it.

First half

When two teams who pride themselves on defense have had only one day to prepare for one another, there’s going to be a feeling out process. Expect the first four minutes to be 25-second possessions, with neither getting much going.

But Loyola-Chicago uses their balance to take control for the next 10 minutes, getting a 6-10 point lead thanks to some screen cutters from behind. Kansas State does respond with a couple of three-pointers to soften the blow, but the Ramblers go into the break with a 30-25 lead.

Second half

This is where the stars get going. Barry Brown and Clayton Custer start out the half trading baskets, establishing themselves as the go-to guys. The Wildcats slowly retake the lead with 14 minutes to go.

Neither team from this point forward has more than a six-point lead, with the defenses taking over. By the four-minute mark, it’s tied up at 54, with the game going either way.

Each team misses a few more shots, but a dagger three comes the way of Loyola-Chicago with over a minute to go, courtesy of Custer. The Wildcats tried to answer but turns it over to give the Ramblers the possession. They nail their free throws late and clinch their first Final Four appearance in school history, 61- 57.

Next: Elite 8 being invaded by lower seeds

Of course, this probably won’t happen, and I apologize to Sister Jean and the Ramblers in advance for jinxing them. But I do know one thing – it’s going to be a fun an exciting game Saturday night.