There were always going to be growing pains, and a step back this much is concerning. Its first season in the A-10 was concerning, as it finished last in the conference and had more talent than that. In consecutive years, the Ramblers have gone from a yearly candidate to make deep runs in the NCAA tournament to a first-round exit two years ago and a 10-21 season last year. I have to be blunt and put this at the forefront: I wonder if Loyola Chicago made the best coaching hire two years ago. Florida Atlantic vs Loyola Chicago best oddsįlorida Atlantic vs Loyola Chicago picks and predictions Although Loyola Chicago took a significant step back last season under second-year coach Drew Valentine, it's still a household mid-major that can attract excellent talent.įind out in our college basketball picks and predictions for Wednesday, November 8. The Owls open the year with an interesting challenge. 9 Florida Atlantic meets Loyola Chicago as college basketball odds favorites in the Barstool Invitational. One of the darlings of last season’s NCAA Tournament will get its campaign started this evening as No.