Game 8 Preview – DePaul
Intro/History Between Teams:
Right now bragging rights and good old city rivalry is on the line for this game against our crosstown foes DePaul. The series renewed last year when Loyola went into Wintrust and came out with the win 68 – 64. That was the first game between each other in nine years, that should never happen. DePaul, UIC, Chicago State are teams that can help strengthen the Chicago college basketball scene, creating a big stage for even more local talent to stay and join these rivalries. This is to me how impactful a series like this being continued brings so much out of the city.
Main Storyline For This Game:
Keeping it up. After a massive shift in performance, the main story should be for the team to keep it up. Wednesday we saw a squad that shot over 50% from FG and 3P% and even saw the lowest turnover total so far this season. The team looked like they started finding their sync and knowing where to look for each other. Assists were also up and honestly that is the key for this team. Smooth and crisp passing to a driving teammate or looking up on a fast break keeps the opponent on their toes.
Now this opens the floor up for anyone on the Rambler squad to step up, Wednesday we saw Ben Schwieger career outing and Saint nearly producing 10 assists. I want to look out for Braden to use his teammates to open the floor and score from deep. The ball movement will dictate the tempo of where the Rambler offense will go and Braden will take this to his advantage.
Hot or Not and Whom to Watch:
HOT: BENNY BUCKETS! Ben Schwieger found the back of the net multiple times and even got up at the rim as well. In only his second career start, Ben put up 26 points going 9-16 from FG, 6-7 from three. Yes you read that right, I had to double check, 6 threes and only missing one. Ben looked very comfortable on the court, even pointing to the bench after one of his threes. Add in newcomer Phil and then the veteran play of Braden and Tom, I expect Ben to fit in very well with the starting lineup.
NOT: WHERE ARE THE BIG MEN. Both Bryce Golden and Jacob Hutson totaled 13 minutes in Wednesday’s action. Yes the team found a win but there are still some questions that need to be asked. What does our team look like with 6 ’10 and 7’0 centers actually on the court for consistent minutes? Do I worry about Moser-esq rotations with pulling players too early, maybe. I understand rotations are still being figured out, just would be interested in a big man starting or getting more minutes.
Game Time, Broadcast Info, Ticket Availability
- Saturday, December 3rd 3:00PM
- NBC Sports Chicago+
- Rambler Sports Network
- TICKETS – SOLD OUT
Probable Starting Lineups:
Loyola
G: Braden Norris
G: Marquise Kennedy
F: Ben Schwieger
F: Phil Alston
C: Tom Welch
DePaul
G: Gibson
G: Gebrewhit
G: Terry
F: Johnson
F: Penn
By The Numbers:
- Points Per Game
- Loyola: 66.1 points/game
- DePaul: 76.4 points/game
- Points Allowed Per Game
- Loyola: 71.1 points/game
- DePaul: 74.9 points/game
- DePaul has no fun facts!
- GENTILE SOLD OUT LETS ROCK!!
