On Tuesday, the Kent State Golden Flashes (24-11) face off against the Loyola Chicago Ramblers (24-11) in the NIT Quarterfinal. Get ready for the college basketball season with our college basketball picks.

Loyola Chicago comes into this matchup on a two-game winning streak and has won four of their last five games. In a thrilling 77-76 victory over San Francisco during the second round of the NIT tournament, Jayden Dawson shone for the Ramblers by posting 25 points. Dawson has been a standout player this season, leading Loyola Chicago with an average of 13.8 points per game. Right behind him, Des Watson contributes an average of 13.2 points, making him the team's second-highest scorer. On the defensive side, Miles Rubin tops the team in rebounds, averaging 5.4 per game. Passing has been orchestrated effectively by Justin Moore, who leads in assists with an average of 5.3 each game. In their recent five games, the Ramblers have maintained an average score of 70.2 points. As the team prepares to face Kent State, Loyola Chicago is eager for a significant postseason victory in front of their home fans. Overall, the Ramblers have been scoring at an average rate of 72.5 points per game this season.

Kent State enters this game on a two-game winning streak and has won four of their last five games. In a thrilling 77-75 victory over Stanford during the second round of the NIT tournament, Jalen Sullinger stood out with an impressive 34-point performance for the Golden Flashes. Throughout this season, Sullinger has been Kent State's top scorer, maintaining an average of 15.8 points per game. Right behind him is VonCameron Davis, who has consistently contributed as the second-leading scorer with an average of 14.5 points. On the defensive side, Delrecco Gillespie is leading in rebounds for Kent State, grabbing an average of 7.9 boards per game. In terms of playmaking, Cian Medley tops the team in assists, averaging four per game. Kent State has shown strong offensive capabilities, averaging 73 points over their last five matchups. Looking ahead, they'll be heading to Chicago to face Loyola Chicago in the NIT quarterfinal, aiming to secure a crucial road win. Overall, the Golden Flashes have been averaging 72.7 points per game this season.

NBA Best Bets and Odds for March 7, 2025