Bradley Braves vs. Loyola-Chicago Rambers odds and best bet

Arch Madness is what they call the Missouri Valley Tournament ... how good is that? March is finally here!

Loyola-Chicago finished tied for second in the MVC this season, Bradley was not far behind them. The Ramblers have the big brand thanks to recent NCAA Tournament success, but I am not sure they are totally comfortable with their at-large status at the moment, especially if they lose this game against Bradley. The Ramblers are the best team in the league according to the metrics, 30th at KenPom, but wins and losses do matter. 

Bradley has had a nice season, but it is all or nothing for them that this point in terms of the tournament. There are just not enough good teams in the Valley. They did beat Loyola-Chicago during the regular season at home, but winning on the road has been a challenge for the Braves. The Braves are a strong defensive team, and they need that to travel well to have a chance against a very experienced Loyola group. It would be a nice story for Bradley, but backing them is a real gamble.  

Game Info

Bradley Braves vs. Loyola-Chicago Ramblers
Friday, March 4, 2022
3:30 p.m. ET
Enterprise Center, St. Louis, Mo.

Betting Odds

Spread: Braves +6.5 (-110), Ramblers -6.5 (-110)
Total: 130.5
Moneyline: Braves +190, Ramblers -230

Best Bet

Loyola-Chicago -6.5

During the season these teams split their games, with each team winning at home. Each game was a seven-point winner, but the Braves forced overtime before falling at Loyola, so they can enter with lots of confidence for this game. They have played the mighty Ramblers well.

I still think it is a mismatch, though. These are the top teams in the MVC in terms of defensive efficiency, but it is hard not to like the Ramblers with all of that postseason experience to find a way to generate enough offense to get a win. 

Covering the spread in these elimination kind of game is always a bit tricky. Loyola is the better offensive team and they can be very efficient, even in a slow paced game. Their patience is outstanding, and that can be unnerving to opponents sometimes, even those who are very familiar with them.

I would love for this one to be more like -4, but as desperation sets in for the Braves, the Ramblers cover the number and win by 10.