Loyola Chicago Ramblers Set To Clash With San Jose State Spartans

The Loyola Chicago Ramblers are set to face off against the San Jose State Spartans in the opening round of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) on March 19, 2025. The game will take place at the Provident Credit Union Event Center in San Jose, California, with tip-off scheduled for 11 p.m. ET, and can be viewed on ESPN2.

The Ramblers come into this matchup with a record of 22-11 and a strong showing in the Atlantic 10 with a 13-7 conference mark. Following a solid regular season, Loyola Chicago is riding high, winning eight of their last ten games. They’ve proven themselves as an efficient team on both ends of the court; their offense shooting at a 45.8% clip and ranking 39th in adjusted defensive efficiency. Analysts have praised Loyola for their impressive performance, stating, "Loyola Chicago will survive and advance. This team sprinted straight through the finish line whereas its opponent, San Jose State, limped through it."

Conversely, the San Jose State Spartans are entering the tournament with a 15-19 record, including a subpar 8-14 performance in the Mountain West Conference. Recent trends are not in their favor, as San Jose State has struggled significantly, going just 3-7 in their last 10 games. They rank as one of the least efficient offenses in the nation, coming in at 240th for adjusted offensive efficiency, a number that underscores their struggles to keep pace with tougher opposition.

The Spartans’ last game saw them suffer a disappointing 63-52 defeat to New Mexico, with Sadaidriene Hall leading the team with 13 points. San Jose State is dealing with a series of injury concerns that may further hinder their chances against a formidable Loyola squad. Key players, including Donavan Yap, Will McClendon, and Robert Vaihola, are listed as questionable and their presence will be vital in determining whether the Spartans can compete effectively.

The Ramblers are favored by 3 points in the matchup, but some analysts argue this line may be an underreaction to their current form, as Loyola Chicago has covered the spread in 12 of their last 14 contests. The games have seen Loyola flourish with a 35.4% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc, which could exploit San Jose State’s deficiencies on defense.

In addition to their offensive strengths, the Ramblers’ defense must be noted. Analysts highlight, "San Jose State has been putrid on offense and will probably struggle to score against a stingy Ramblers defense." With their ranked defense holding opponents to only 42% shooting, it’s easy to see why Loyola is confident heading into the showdown.

San Jose State’s recent performance has illustrated their struggles, particularly as their only notable success has come against weaker opponents. They boast a home record of 10-4 against the spread, but their record betrays the reality that they have faced very few teams with the caliber of Loyola lately. In their last 10 appearances, they have averaged just 65.2 points per game, which pales in comparison to Loyola's average of 74.5 points in the same period.

The stakes of this matchup are considerable for both teams, not just for immediate advancement in the NIT but for establishing momentum as they navigate the tournament landscape. With Loyola Chicago coming in on a hot streak against a San Jose team in recovery mode, the spotlight will be on whether the Spartans can rise to the occasion.

The growing anticipation around the NIT will set the stage for a competitive showdown. As analyst opinions align on Loyola’s ability to outplay San Jose State, observers across the nation are keen to see how the Ramblers’ well-rounded team responds under the pressure of tournament play.

In summary, the prediction is clear: Loyola Chicago is favored to advance due to a combination of strong recent performances and the Spartans' offensive woes. Fans of college basketball will certainly keep their eyes glued to their screens as the game unfolds, hoping to see which team will persevere and move one step closer to the NIT crown.