Thursday, March 6, 2014 8:30 p.m.
Scottrade Center, St. Louis, MO

Loyola played poorly in its two previous meetings with Bradley, losing by 9 points at home and by 17 points in their lowest scoring output of the year in Peoria. In those two games, the Ramblers committed a combined 41 turnovers compared to Bradley’s 22. The Rambler miscues also carried over into their game when they actually held on to the ball—Loyola was only 8 of 39 (including 1-of-18 in the second game) on three point shots, missed 11 of their 31 free throws, and shot 32 of 105 from the field.

Bradley’s top-scoring senior Walt Lemon, Jr. will potentially be playing his final college game on Thursday, and the Ramblers have been unable to stop him on either end of the court in their two previous contests. Lemon has combined for 37 points and eight steals in the two previous meetings.

Meanwhile, Loyola’s Christian Thomas, a consistent double-digit scorer (double figures in 40 of his last 46 games) managed only nine points in each of the games against Bradley. Conference Freshman/Newcomer of the Year Milton Doyle was held to 23 points in the two games and committed 11 turnovers. The only bright spot for the Ramblers was their rebounding-- out-boarding the Braves by a combined 91-67-- but much of that was a function of the Ramblers’ poor field goal shooting percentage.

Both teams are staggering into the conference tournament; Bradley has lost five of their last six games (the exception being their second meeting with Loyola), and the Ramblers have lost six straight and nine of their last 10. The old aphorism “it’s hard to beat a team three times in a season” may not be supported by actual statistics, but tends to be repeated often when it does happen. The Ramblers will have to play like an entirely different team if they want to support that adage in their first MVC conference tournament.

Vegas opening line: Bradley by 2

Loyola game notes: http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/loy ... 305aaa.pdf

Bradley game notes: http://www.bradleybraves.com/ViewArticl ... =209427155

TV: MVC-TV (Comcast Sports Net, others) Due to conflict with Blackhawks and Blues hockey, game will be moved to Comcast Sportsnet Plus—usually a leased access channel on your cable system. Check your local listings.

Streaming video: ESPN3 (outside IL, IN, MO, KS, IA) http://espn.go.com/watchespn/index

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

Bradley message board: http://www.bradleyfans.com/

Still do not know what to make of this team and this year. If you believe the Coach knows his stuff then you need to think that this team needs to be mentally stronger and maintain a positive attitude and mentality. That this team has yet to develop confidence in themselves. Tough to do when you are not winning. Gary Barnett when he was in charge of the NU resurrection always said that they had belief without evidence.
Maybe with nothing to lose they will come out playing 100% or freeze under the bright lights. Dont see a ton of difference physically between the two teams. However a wolf should be able to defeat a gargoyle.
Go Ramblers

The excitement is palpable!!!!!

The Ramblers' first MARCH PLAIDNESS!!

I meant...

The Ramblers' premier Arch Fatness!

Make that...

The Ramblers' inaugural ... DARCH, AGNES!

http://www.wealthvisor.com/p/agnes-darch

It's not on Fox Sports Midwest or Comcast Sports Net because of hockey games, but if you have a sports cable package it's on Fox College Sports Atlantic, or if you have ESPN PPV it's on there for the low low price of $16.99+ ...or on the internets on ESPN3

ESPN# works for me as it has most all year. That outlet has been truly fair . Granted they probably were looking at our opponents but, there we were and will be this evening.
I really believe we win this game-- We must get out early though and keep pushing--

Bottom line though--This hoping and wishing truly is getting OLD--REALLY OLD.

Hey, all we have to do is win the first 3 games, then the title game is on CBS!

Looking at the schedule, pride aside, I'd almost prefer to be a 10 seed than a 8 or 9. The winner of our game tonight plays InSU tomorrow night at 6. The winner of UE and Drake plays WSU tomorrow...at noon. That's one heck of a quick turnaround.

I think I said that.... Three weeks ago!!

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In the Chicago area, here's where to find the game(s) tonight:

ATT Uverse 1741
Comcast 101
DIRECTV 666
DISH Network 442
MEDIACOM 22
RCN 371
WOW 14/15

To look up your local cable system by zip code, visit http://www.csnchicago.com/channel-finder