UT-Chattanooga vs Loyola-Chicago Picks and Prediction – 4/2/2025

Chattanooga comes in hot, riding a three-game win streak, including a tight 67-65 road win over Bradley. The Mocs are 27-9 overall and have been strong away from home, going 12-5 on the road this season. Loyola Chicago has been just as solid, sitting at 25-11 and nearly unbeatable at home with a 17-1 record. The Ramblers handled Kent State 72-62 in the last game. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

Chattanooga’s offense is one of the most dangerous in the NIT, averaging 79.6 points while shooting 48.1% from the field. Honor Huff leads the way with 15.3 points per game and hits 83.3% from the line. Garrison Keeslar chips in with 4.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. Defensively, the Mocs are shaky at times, giving up points in bunches, especially in that 109-103 triple-overtime win over Middle Tennessee. They grab 33.2 boards per game and average 6.9 steals but only 2.9 blocks.

Loyola Chicago hasn’t lost since the A-10 tournament and is 3-0 in the NIT with a nail-biting win over San Francisco and a strong showing against Kent State. The Ramblers are clicking late in the season and will have the home-court edge again at Hinkle Fieldhouse.

Defensively, the Ramblers are better on paper, allowing fewer points and owning better interior protection thanks to Miles Rubin, who averages 2.3 blocks per game and leads with 5.5 boards. Jayden Dawson leads the scoring with 13.7 points, while Kymany Houinsou averages 3.3 assists. Loyola puts up 73.6 points per game and shoots 45.7% from the floor. They’re also slightly stronger on the glass at 35.7 rebounds and post 6.3 steals per game.

Loyola Chicago’s defense is the difference here, especially at the rim with Rubin's shot-blocking. The Ramblers also rebound better and protect the ball more effectively. Chattanooga’s explosive offense gives them a shot, but in a tight matchup, take the more balanced team with the better defense. Final Score Prediction: Loyola Chicago Ramblers win 74-70.