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Loyola Marymount Lions vs Pacific Tigers: Prediction and Betting Insights
The Loyola Marymount Lions face off against the Pacific Tigers on Thursday, January 23rd, at the Alex G. Spanos Center. This matchup has plenty of potential for exciting basketball and valuable betting opportunities. Here, we analyze key aspects of the game, including team form, player performances, and trends to help you make informed bets.
Pacific Tigers: Team Form and Key Players
The Pacific Tigers have had a challenging season, holding a 6-15 record and sitting in 11th place in the West Coast Conference. They are coming off a narrow 81-84 loss to Portland. While they have struggled overall, the Tigers boast a respectable 3-6 home record and have occasionally shown grit in front of their fans.
Team Stats
- Offense: Pacific averages 71.9 points per game, ranking 254th nationally.
- Defense: They allow 76.3 points per game, which places them at 298th in the country.
- Shooting: The Tigers hit 43.9% from the field (238th) and 29.9% from three-point range (334th).
- Rebounding: Pacific averages 35.5 rebounds per game (204th).
Key Players
- Elijah Ralph: Leading the team with 16.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, Ralph has been the Tigers’ most consistent offensive threat.
- Elias Fisher: Contributing 16.3 points and 5 rebounds per game, Fisher adds scoring depth.
Despite their struggles, the Tigers have a history of strong performances at home against Loyola Marymount, making this an intriguing matchup.
Loyola Marymount Lions: Team Form and Key Players
The Loyola Marymount Lions enter this contest with an 11-8 record, positioning them 7th in the West Coast Conference. They recently secured a 77-70 win over San Diego, showing resilience despite their ongoing road-game challenges.
Team Stats
- Offense: Loyola Marymount scores 70 points per game (287th nationally).
- Defense: They allow 70.3 points per game, ranking a better 147th.
- Shooting: The Lions shoot 43% from the field (279th) and 32.3% from beyond the arc (263rd).
- Rebounding: The team averages 34.6 rebounds per game (261st).
Key Players
- Caleb Stone-Carrawell: Leading the offense with 13.8 points per game and providing key contributions in clutch moments.
- Jevon Porter: Averaging 13.2 points and a team-high 7.9 rebounds, Porter anchors the Lions’ inside game.
Although Loyola Marymount has yet to win a road game this season (0-5 road record), their solid defense and balanced roster give them an edge over Pacific.
Recent Betting Trends
Pacific Tigers Betting Trends
- The Tigers are 9-10 against the spread (ATS) this season.
- Over/Under: Pacific has a 9-10 record, with games often hitting the over due to their defensive struggles.
- Home Performance: Pacific has won four of their last five home games against Loyola Marymount.
Loyola Marymount Lions Betting Trends
- The Lions are 7-11 ATS, struggling to cover spreads consistently.
- Over/Under: Loyola Marymount games are 8-10, with recent matchups trending toward higher-scoring outcomes.
- Head-to-Head: Loyola Marymount is 5-1 in their last six meetings with Pacific and has covered the spread in 6 of the last 8 matchups.
Combined Trends
- The over is 8-0 in the last eight meetings between these teams, indicating a strong likelihood of a high-scoring game.
Head-to-Head Analysis
Loyola Marymount has dominated the recent rivalry, including a commanding 86-64 win on the road last season. However, Pacific’s home-court advantage cannot be underestimated, as they have historically performed well against the Lions in Stockton.
Keys to Victory
Why Pacific Tigers Could Win
- Home Advantage: Pacific has won four of their last five home games against Loyola Marymount.
- First-Half Strength: The Tigers have won the first half in 9 of Loyola Marymount’s last 10 games.
- Elijah Ralph: If Ralph can dominate offensively and on the boards, Pacific could control the game tempo.
Why Loyola Marymount Lions Could Win
- Recent Form: Loyola Marymount’s superior season record and recent head-to-head dominance give them confidence.
- Defensive Edge: Allowing fewer points per game (70.3) than Pacific, the Lions’ defense could stifle the Tigers.
- Momentum: Loyola Marymount has performed well in night games, winning their last four against Pacific.
Game Prediction
The spread currently favors Loyola Marymount at -7.5, which reflects their better overall record and head-to-head dominance. However, their winless road record and inconsistency against the spread raise questions. Both teams have shown defensive vulnerabilities, making the over a strong play here. Expect a high-scoring game with Loyola Marymount narrowly covering the spread.
Prediction: Loyola Marymount 83 – Pacific 76
Betting Tip: Take the over and consider Loyola Marymount ATS.
Insights
What are the key trends for betting this game?
Both teams have been involved in high-scoring contests recently. The over is 8-0 in their last eight meetings, making it the standout betting trend.
Can Pacific leverage home-court advantage?
Yes, Pacific has historically performed well against Loyola Marymount at the Alex G. Spanos Center, winning four of their last five home games in this matchup.
How does Loyola Marymount’s road performance impact this game?
Loyola Marymount’s 0-5 road record is a concern, but their superior talent and head-to-head dominance suggest they can break that streak.
This analysis blends fresh insights, detailed stats, and actionable betting tips to ensure you’re fully prepared for the Loyola Marymount Lions vs Pacific Tigers matchup.