The San Jose State Spartans (15-19) are set to face off against the Loyola Chicago Ramblers (22-11) on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 11 p.m. ET. This exciting matchup will be broadcast live on ESPN2, as both teams compete for glory in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT).
San Jose State enters this game after a disappointing 63-52 loss to New Mexico, where standout player Sadaidriene Hall contributed 13 points and eight rebounds. Robert Vaihola added 10 points and 11 rebounds, showing promising performances even in defeat. After this recent setback, the Spartans hope to bounce back against the Ramblers, who have shown strong form throughout the season.
On the other hand, Loyola Chicago is coming off a tough 62-55 defeat against VCU, with Miles Rubin leading their efforts with 12 points, eight rebounds, and two steals. Both teams are now focused on reclaiming their winning momentum as they meet for this pivotal tournament match.
Regarding their overall statistics, the Spartans have been averaging 72.2 points per game this season, which places them 227th nationally. They are also allowing 73.4 points on the defensive end, ranking 224th. Their offensive efficiency has been bolstered by players like Josh Uduje, who is averaging 16.3 points per game and has been particularly strong over the last 10 games.
Meanwhile, the Ramblers have averaged 73.5 points per game, ranking 191st. Defensively, they have been more solid, allowing only 68.6 points per game, placing them 73rd nationally. Players like Des Watson and Jayden Dawson have stepped up, scoring 12.9 and 13.2 points per game, respectively, creating quite the scoring tandem for Loyola Chicago.
The matchup also sees the two programs displaying different styles of play. The Spartans have been effective on the offensive boards, averaging 7.8 rebounds per game, with Robert Vaihola being the standout contributor with 2.5 offensive rebounds per game. Conversely, the Ramblers rank second in their conference, showcasing their versatility with a three-point shooting percentage of 35.4%, generating plenty of space for their offensive players.
Fans will look forward to this thrilling matchup between two teams at different points of their respective seasons. Depending on their shooting form, San Jose State's chance of winning could be bolstered if they can exceed the 42.0% shooting threshold, where they have performed well historically. They are 13-0-1 against the spread when exceeding this mark this season.
(This statistical data reflects each team’s performance throughout the season, indicating their respective strengths and weaknesses as they prepare to clash.)
The stakes are high for both teams; advancing through the NIT would signal success and season momentum even if they currently own less favorable records overall. San Jose State, with their struggle against MWC teams at 8-14, has needed to capitalize on non-conference matchups to build their confidence. Meanwhile, Loyola Chicago, with their solid A-10 record of 13-7, has proven ability and experience against tough opponents.
Looking at head-to-head performances, the Spartans will need every bit of offense to outpace the Ramblers, who are statistically close, with Loyola Chicago averaging just 0.1 points more per game than what San Jose State allows. The defensive matchups will also be interesting, with San Jose State allowing 3.6 more points than they score as the Ramblers soak up 73.5 points on average—a marginal difference highlighting the tenuous nature of both squads on the court.
The game will be held at the Provident Credit Union Event Center in San Jose, California, promising to bring substantial local support for the Spartans. Fans are encouraged to buy tickets to support their teams live; they remain available at various ticket outlets.
With the excitement of tournament basketball upon them, both teams will leave nothing on the court as they compete for a pivotal win. Tune in on ESPN2 to catch the action as the San Jose State Spartans look to make waves against the Loyola Chicago Ramblers on Wednesday night.
