The latest chapter in Loyola-Chicago’s incredible story featured a thrilling win over Nevada. The next chapter features an Elite Eight matchup with Kansas State.
Maybe the Ramblers will experience a comfortable win at some point. They have won their three NCAA Tournament games by a combined four points. These Ramblers certainly have mettle as shown by their success in tight games. They also have experience, leadership, and an uncanny ability to make clutch shots.
Additionally, they have confidence, composure, and relentless fight. While these traits are all valuable and have been critical to this team’s success, they are not the sole reasons for Loyola-Chicago’s Elite Eight berth. The Ramblers are also a really freakin’ good basketball team. If you’re tuning in to watch them for the first time tomorrow, here is what you can expect to see:
Great Defense
The Ramblers’ identity is rooted in their defense. They have held three good offensive teams below 70 points so far in this tournament. They defend the perimeter well as they frustrated a dangerous Nevada squad into 25.9% three-point shooting. The Ramblers do an excellent job of contesting shots and closing out on shooters. As a result, they either run opponents off the three-point line or force them into difficult attempts.
The Ramblers’ defense doesn’t just clamp down on the perimeter though. They are also tough in the paint and made it difficult for Nevada to score at the rim after the Wolf Pack’s early flurry of easy buckets. Even without a dominant rim protector, Loyola-Chicago still makes it tough to score in the paint.
Unselfish Offense
The Ramblers sometimes move the ball around the court as if they are playing “hot potato. ” However, in their case, the ball moves swiftly with purpose. The Ramblers make the most out of each offensive possession, which is crucial when you play at a slow tempo. They are great at making the “extra pass” in order to find a great shot each time they have the ball.
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Entering the game against Nevada, Loyola-Chicago had assisted on 75% of their makes. The Ramblers had fifteen assists in the win over Nevada, which is good. What isn’t good is that they turned the ball over an uncharacteristic sixteen times.
I don’t expect them to commit this many turnovers versus Kansas State, though the Wildcats play excellent defense. I’ll chalk up the high turnover count to Nevada baiting the Ramblers to play at a fast pace early in the game. Kansas State operates at a slow pace as do the Ramblers so I expect fewer turnovers. Translation: keep the ball moving quickly, but keep the pace slow and controlled.
Excellent Team Rebounding
The Ramblers won the rebounding battles against Tennessee and Nevada. It will be essential for them to win it against the Wildcats, whose average rebounding margin is -3.3. Furthermore, if the Wildcats’ star big man Dean Wade continues to be hampered by injury, the Ramblers’ advantage will be increased.
If the Ramblers consistently finish possessions by securing defensive rebounds and eliminate second-chance opportunities, they will be in great shape. Kansas State is not a particularly great shooting team so owning the glass will be a huge factor in winning.
Also, the Ramblers can thrive by crashing the glass on offense. There is not much cause for concern in regards to the Wildcats streaking out in transition as they prefer to operate at a methodical tempo. Therefore, send everyone to the offensive boards without fear of getting burned by fast breaks.
Second-chance points can win this game for the Ramblers. Big men Cameron Krutwig and Aundre Jackson will have an opportunity to feast against the thin Wildcats’ frontcourt.
Balance
In every sense, the Ramblers are a balanced team. They have a balanced scoring attack, with five double-figure scorers (one of whom comes off the bench). They are solid in the frontcourt and the backcourt. They are stout on defense and patiently efficient on offense. They shoot the ball wall from every level (50.7 FG%, 39.7 3FG%).
Also, it’s a different player playing the hero each night. Whether its Donte Ingram, Clayton Custer, or Marques Townes someone always makes a winning play. Jackson has been incredible in providing an offensive spark off the bench. Krutwig anchors the defense and adds valuable offensive contributions. Ben Richardson and Lucas Williamson play excellent defense and make key plays that may not show in the box score but definitely show in the film room.
They are not the flashiest bunch, but the Ramblers do everything well. They also excel in late-game situations. It may be impossible to measure clutch performance, but this Loyola-Chicago squad passes the eye test when it comes to crunch-time success. This team is built to win and has already proven it can best teams from the ACC, SEC, and Mountain West. Why not add a team from the mighty Big 12?
Next: Kansas State-Loyola Chicago Elite 8 preview
If you’re looking for a fun time on a Saturday night, watch the Ramblers take on Kansas State at 6:09 PM EST on TBS. The South Regional Final in Atlanta will be a fun one.