Sunday, February 9, 2014 3:00 p.m.
Gentile Arena, Chicago

In the last meeting between these two teams in Normal on Jan. 11, the Redbirds used a fierce full court press after halftime to turn a tie game into a romp by forcing Loyola into seven turnovers in the first eight minutes. What was a 27-27 tie at the break turned into a 40-29 Redbird lead at the 9:39 mark. ISU went on after that 59-50 victory to win four of their next seven in climbing into a tie for third place (before Saturday’s MSU-SIU game).

Since the beginning of league play, the Redbirds are 4-0 when 6th man Zach Lofton scores in double digits. In their four conference road losses, the Redbirds have been held below 40% shooting from the field in all but one, their OT loss at Missouri State (but the Bears held ISU well below 40% in the second half and overtime in their comeback win).

The keys to victory for Loyola in this one are to 1. TAKE. CARE. OF. THE. BALL., 2. Keep the rebounding margin close., and 3. Force ISU into tough shots, as their shooting futility sometimes feeds on itself. The Ramblers might also want to try a little pressure of their own, as ISU can be pretty sloppy with the ball in their own right, tied for second most turnovers per game in the league. Despite leading the league in steals, the Redbirds only rank fifth in turnover margin.


Vegas opening line: Pick 'em

Loyola game notes: http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/loy ... 208aaa.pdf

Illinois State game notes: http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/loy ... a_ilsu.pdf

Streaming video: http://espn.go.com/watchespn/index/_/id ... (Exclusive)

Loyola audio: http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/luc.portal#

Illinois State message board: http://www.redbirdfan.net/forum/viewfor ... fd39153dd3

Fyi...LOTS of ISU fans at new Hamilton's.

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Cigarboy sucks!

Friend of mine (and ISU alum) told me that the Chicago area Alum Association had planned a big event at the new Hamilton's for the game. Promoted through emails, phone calls and mail pieces.

Bradley and ISUr have a big rivalry. It's called "The War on 74." But I could see ISU and us getting into a little rivalry also. I was a little disappointed at the LU crowd for the game in Normal, which was scattered around and maybe 25-30 people. Maybe this game will help light a fire among the fans to step up and get organized. Winning would help. Surprisingly, this game is a Pick 'em in Vegas.

I think next year we will organize some road trips... Assuming our ticket office gets the extra manpower that it needs.

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Up double digits at the half. I GUARANTEE this game will be far too close in the 2nd half...

I looked at Swella and Rog at half time and just said "Uh oh."

Also, per request...Come on Jeremy! Hit your free throws!

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Cigarboy sucks!

Jeremy making a difference, if not his free throws, was nice to see!

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Indiana State just barely survived at home to Drake, 60-56.

Bradley up on Evansville in Peoria, 39-32 at the half.

King is doing just fine !! Good on PM for finding perfect spot for him

Dark side--We would be lost without Milton--BUT we have him--So much for that !! Christian is schooling ISU down low !! Sweet !!

Keep going RAMBLERS !!