Loyola Chicago Ramblers vs Dayton Flyers Picks and Predictions for Friday January 16 2026

By: Kim Smith Published 01/16/2026, 12:20 AM ET

The Loyola Chicago Ramblers travel to UD Arena to face the Dayton Flyers in an Atlantic 10 matchup scheduled for 8:30 PM EST on ESPN2. Dayton is listed as a heavy home favorite with the spread set at -17.5 (-115), while Loyola Chicago comes back at +17.5 (-105). The total for this game is 142.5 points, with the over priced at -108 and the under at -112, and the money line is currently off the board. Make sure to check out our free college basketball picks for more daily college basketball betting insight.

Loyola Chicago Ramblers: Searching for Consistency on the Road

Loyola Chicago enters this matchup with a 5-13 overall record and has struggled away from home this season. Recently, the Ramblers have lost to George Mason, George Washington, Davidson, and Dayton, with their lone recent win coming on the road against Rhode Island.

Offensively, Loyola Chicago is averaging 68.6 points per game while allowing 77.1 points per game on the defensive end. The Ramblers are shooting 43% from the field, grabbing 34.1 rebounds per game, and averaging 13.8 assists, but they have struggled to consistently generate efficient offense.

One area where Loyola Chicago has shown some presence is around the rim, averaging 4 blocks per game, but turnovers and limited defensive pressure, shown by just 3.9 steals per game, have made it difficult for them to keep pace with stronger opponents.

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Dayton Flyers: Defending Home Court with Balance

Dayton comes into this game with a strong 13-4 overall record and has been reliable at home. In their recent stretch, the Flyers have picked up wins over Duquesne, George Washington, Loyola Chicago, and Fordham, with their only recent setback coming against Liberty.

The Flyers are averaging 77.5 points per game while allowing 69.1 points per game, showing a solid balance on both ends of the floor. Dayton shoots 45% from the field, pulls down 32.9 rebounds per game, and dishes out 14.5 assists per contest.

Defensively, Dayton stands out with 9.8 steals per game, creating extra possessions and transition scoring opportunities. Combined with 4 blocks per game, the Flyers have the defensive tools to control games, especially at UD Arena.

Loyola Chicago Ramblers vs Dayton Flyers Pick

Loyola Chicago Ramblers vs Dayton Flyers ATS Pick

Pick: Loyola Chicago +17.5

I am taking Loyola Chicago plus the points here because the Ramblers have already played Dayton close once this season, losing by just two points. Even though Dayton is the better team, this is a large spread, and Loyola Chicago should be able to stay competitive enough to cover.

Loyola Chicago Ramblers vs Dayton Flyers Total Pick

Pick: Under 142.5

I am backing the under in this matchup because Loyola Chicago struggles offensively and Dayton prefers a more controlled pace. With both teams capable defensively and Loyola Chicago averaging under 70 points per game, this total feels a bit high.

Final Score Prediction:

Dayton 74, Loyola Chicago 60

How To Bet This Matchup

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