Conference Game 7: Indiana State

[Rambler63]

Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 7:00 p.m.
Gentile Arena, Chicago

Loyola has its first conference rematch, against Indiana State, before having played Bradley, Wichita State, or Northern Iowa for the first time in conference. The Ramblers played the MVC's #2 preseason pick fairly close on the road in their inaugural MVC conference game on New Year's Day, but folded midway through the second half under a 12-1 run by the Sycamores. The final score was 70-58.

ISUb is coming off a high-profile, nationally-televised loss between conference co-leaders at #5 Wichita State on Saturday, but sits solidly in second place. The Trees trailed by 28 with 8 1/2 minutes left, when WSU emptied its bench. The final score was 68-48, which was no doubt frustrating and embarrassing for the league's top would-be challengers. Will playing Loyola, a team they handled comfortably at home, be a let-down or a challenge to re-assert their legitimacy? One has to believe that their senior leadership and experience under a veteran coach will carry them through any lack of focus, but Loyola should be ready to take advantage in the off chance they're not able to muster their full determination.

The opening Vegas line makes Indiana State a 5.5 point favorite.

For more on the Indiana State game, their personnel and style, see:

Jesse Kramer preview from TheCatchAndShoot.com: http://thecatchandshoot.com/loyola-tips ... ana-state/

January 1 Ramblermania preview and game thread: http://www.ramblermania.net/forum/viewt ... f=12&t=402

Loyola game notes: http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/loy ... 121aaa.pdf

Indiana State game notes: http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/loy ... a_insu.pdf

Live video: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/Loyola-Ramblers-Athletics

[isu87]

is the video link free, or for pay? Looking forward to seeing how we respond after the blowout at WSU

[GoRamblers]

is the video link free, or for pay? Looking forward to seeing how we respond after the blowout at WSU

LU's stream is free.

[ahunte1]

is the video link free, or for pay? Looking forward to seeing how we respond after the blowout at WSU

Free video. Usually pretty good quality, too.

[GoRamblers]

Here's the ISUblue board: http://www.sycamorepride.com/showthread ... %287-11%29

They had talked about Justin Gant being hurt. According to their coach, he's battling some injuries but will play. If he is limited, that could help us. He put up 30 minutes against us last time. 4th on the team in points, 2nd on the team in rebounds.

Key tonight is limiting Odum again. Problem is, we did that last time and Arop went off.

[GoRamblers]

We also need to attack the rim. Force them to foul. In the last game, we had a huge disparity in free throws (23 attempts for them, 7 for us) Granted, 10 attempts for them came in the last 2 minutes.

[Rambleon8390]

... a couple of thoughts ...
* I would love to see Turk have a big game tonight ... Porter keep him in!!
* Jeff White .... please stay out of foul trouble ... as great as Milton has played, especially at home, this team does not function when JW is on the bench!!

[brot4britu]

No prediction on score this evening--BUT I do believe we are coming around slowly but surely--

One sad prediction I will make--

If school is not in session--less than 1700 sools in attendance
If school IS in session---less than 1900 souls there.

Sad Sad Sad !!!

Especially sad because our team now has its sights on rising and will be doing it shortly--maybe tonight ?? Hope so. To do it Turk more than 13 points
Milton--more than sixteen points
Thomas-- more than fifteen points
Plus a surprise more 11 points from someone else--ANYONE else--
The entire team MUST play defense starting with the boards !!!

GO RAMBLERS !! Past time to turn potential into glory !!!

[08rambler]

Will try to make it if I get in on time, if I do will post some thoughts as it's been a few weeks since I've seen LU play. I do think we've got to get out in transition a bit, easy buckets are tough to come by against a good team and we've got to find them somehow. This team is, on paper, built to run. Jeff likes the open floor and Turk and Doyle can run the wings well.

[brot4britu]

A sudden thought ! Ihope it does not fracture MY BRAIN---Nope, it is still functioning !!

A key --Osborne's and Cody's performances both ways will go a long way in determining out fate this evening. I just feel our scoring three, M,D, and C will do their respective things but Osborne must rise--I feel Cody will.

Good luck RAMBLERS !!