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CHICAGO (January 10, 2019) - Loyola puts a three-game home-court winning streak on the line when it welcomes in-state rival Illinois State to Gentile Arena for a nationally televised game Saturday. Dating back to last season, the Ramblers have captured 17 of their last 21 regular-season Missouri Valley Conference contests. The Ramblers have rattled off eight straight wins in Valley play at Gentile Arena, with the last loss coming at the hands of Indiana State (61-57) January 3, 2018. 

Over the its last three games at Gentile Arena, Loyola's offense has fired on all cylinders, accounting for 78.0 points per game, hitting 61.5 percent (88-for-143) of its field goal attempts and 46.4 percent (26-for-56) of its three-point tries.

Seventy points has been the barometer for success for Loyola this season. When scoring 70 or more points, the Ramblers are 9-0 in 2018-19. Conversely, Loyola is 0-7 when scoring fewer than 70 points.

In its last two meetings with Illinois State, Loyola has held the Redbirds to 55.0 ppg, 36.4 percent (44-for-121) from the field, and 30.9 percent (17-for-55) from long range.

Loyola – Illinois State – The Series

Loyola and Illinois State are meeting for the 22nd time in a series that traces its roots to 1980. The Redbirds possess a 14-7 edge in the series, but Loyola has claimed three straight matchups between the clubs. Seven of the last nine meetings have been decided by eight points or less, including Loyola's 68-61 victory the last time the teams squared off in Chicago (Feb. 24, 2018).

Since joining the MVC, Loyola is 4-7 versus Illinois State. When meeting in Chicago, the Ramblers are 4-6 all-time against the Redbirds and when the teams last met, in the championship game at Arch Madness last March, Donte Ingram recorded 18 points and eight rebounds and Loyola limited the Redbirds to 31.8 percent (21-for-66) shooting in a 65-49 victory that earned the Ramblers their first NCAA tournament berth since 1985.

Scouting Illinois State

After losing five of six games, Illinois State brings a modest two-game winning streak into Saturday's game at Gentile Arena and is coming off a 70-69 victory over UNI Tuesday night. The Redbirds have struggled on the road this season and are winless in four true road games, including a 94-75 setback at UIC December 5. Three of ISU's four road losses have come by double digits.

MVC Player of the Year candidate Milik Yarbrough leads Illinois State with 16.7 ppg, 8.1 rpg and 3.9 apg, but also averages 4.4 turnovers per contest. Senior forward Phil Fayne pitches in 15.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg and 1.4 bpg and redshirt junior guard Zach Copeland adds 10.8 ppg for an ISU squad that yields 73.9 ppg.

Up Next

Loyola closes out a short stay at home January 15 when it hosts Valley leader Valparaiso at 7 p.m.