FGCU/LOYOLA-CHICAGO PREVIEW

Chicago, IL- FGCU (1-0) heads on the road to face Loyola-Chicago University (1-0) Saturday afternoon at 2 PM from Joseph J Gentile Arena.

Stats (LU):

Loyola averages 103 ppg, shoot 52.8% (38/72) from the field, and 43.5% (20/46) from beyond the arc. The Ramblers average 55.0 team rebounds per game, and dish out 31.0 assists, 7.0 steals, and 0 blocks per game. Loyola forces 14.0 team turnovers, while having 12.0 team turnovers of their own.

Players To Watch For (FGCU):

Victor Rosa 20.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg

Cyrus Largie 11.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg

Austin Richie 11.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg

Players To Watch For (LU):

6’7 GR F Aher Uguak 16.0 ppg

-Third Team All-MVC, MVC All-Defensive Team, and MVC Most-Improved Team recognition last season

-Averaged 7.3 ppg last season for Loyola

6’0 R-JR G Braden Norris 13.0, 9.0 rpg

-MVC All-Newcomer Team honors last season after averaging 8.5 ppg last season for Loyola

6’7 FR F Saint Thomas 13.0 ppg

-Max Preps Player of the Year as a Senior at Millard North HS last season in Nebraska

Overview:

FGCU heads into Saturday, with a huge test against another mid major power in Loyola. The Eagles were without Matt Halvorsen, Tavian Dunn-Martin, and Kevin Samuel, and to get any of the players back would be a huge deal for the Eagles. The Eagles were led by Victor Rosa, who scored a career high 20 pts vs FNU Tuesday night, and to get this type of contribution from Rosa just will make the backcourt even stronger this season.

Loyola heads into this season led by Head Coach Drew Valentine, who is in his 1st season leading the Ramblers. He previously was an assistant coach for Loyola University the last four seasons. Coach Valentine is the youngest head coach in the NCAA currently.

Loyola faced Coppin State University and dominated the Eagles 103-45. The Ramblers were led by 6’7 GR F Aher Uguak, who finished with 16 pts in the game.

Prediction:

Loyola-Chicago 74 FGCU 67