Loyola-Chicago Ramblers (31-5 SU, 22-9 ATS) vs. Kansas State Wildcats (25-11, 16-17 ATS) Betting Pick
Time: March 24th, 2018 6:05 PM ET
Where: Atlanta, GA
TV: TBS
by Keith, Professional College Hoops Handicapper, Predictem
Odds
Point Spread: Pick-Em
Total Line: 127
In this market, both teams opened as a Pick-Em, and we have yet to see any further developments in line movements. In Over/Under markets, the number has ascended by three points to reflect the heavy action on the Over. Both teams come in priced at -105 by virtue of the Pick-Em market that has materialized in this game.
In this contest, the stakes are through the ceiling. To the victor goes the spoils, as the winner will continue to the Final Four. The number eleven seed Loyola-Chicago Ramblers and the number nine seed Kansas State Wildcats square off in the Regional Finals otherwise known as the Elite Eight on Saturday, March 24th, 2018 at 6:05 PM ET. The two teams come in off tremendous victories in the Sweet 16. Kansas State qualified for the tournament based on their body of work in the Big 12 while Loyola-Chicago entered the tournament by an automatic bid as the champion of the Missouri Valley Conference. In their road to the Elite Eight, the Ramblers defeated two Power Conference opponents and a formidable Mountain West Conference Champion. The manner of Loyola-Chicagos march to greatness is one that is truly uncanny. By a combined margin of three points in all three contests, Loyola-Chicago defeated Miami Florida, Tennessee, and then Nevada one after the other. Kansas State has also looked far better than their seed has indicated. The Wildcats defeated tournament power Kentucky in a marquee upset after ousting UMBC and Creighton in the first two rounds of March Madness.
From a betting perspective, there are several trends worth taking a look at. First, Kansas State is 4-2 ATS in their last six fixtures overall. Secondly, Loyola-Chicago is 22-8-1 ATS in the previous 31 games. This spread run indicates a penchant for the Ramblers to be overvalued. As a result, Loyola-Chicago is 3-0 ATS in March Madness.
As we have said previously, sentiment and emotion will be the foundation of playing on Loyola-Chicago. They represent everything that a Cinderella team is supposed to be. The Ramblers have found ways to win games in the most incredulous of manners. To complement the enthusiasm that the public may have for the Missouri Valley Conference Champions, the Ramblers are known for a smothering defense. This defense has most recently minimized the high-power Nevada offense in the Sweet Sixteen.
Kansas States appeal rests in their overall body of work on the season. This is a team that went deep into the Big 12 Tournament and generates respect as a whole given the fact they are a Power Conference outfit. On paper, Kansas State is simply a higher quality team.
From a public money perspective, we have seen little action to indicate which way the money is going. What we can derive is that 100% of the consensus like Kansas State in this market. Additionally, forums have shown that 100% of the consensus also fancy the Over.
Though Loyola-Chicagos campaign has been defined essentially by a series of one-basket fixtures, there is a profound chance they are undervalued in this spot. This is even the case if public hearts are resting with them in this scenario. Kansas States latest result is one that is bound to create a huge overreaction from the general public. The Wildcats pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament against one of Americas most recognized names in the competition. There is also the fact that Kansas State will certainly not fear Loyola-Chicago by any means. After all, they didnt even bat an eye against UMBC who beat one of the tournaments best teams in a historic upset. Very simply, the Cats look like easy money with no points to spot. However, the Ramblers have always found a way to win.
KEITHs PICK: Loyola-Chicago (Pick-Em)