The 2020-21 Loyola Chicago Ramblers did something Feb. 8 that hadn’t been done in more than 35 years — even in 2018 when they made the Final Four.
They appeared in the AP Top 25.
At 17-3 overall and 12-1 in Missouri Valley Conference play, analysts have been quick to say this year’s No. 22-ranked Ramblers team is better than the 2018 Cinderella story that captured the nation.
But what do the numbers say?
It’s hard to compare the first 20 games of both seasons because of the COVID-19-shortened campaign this year. So, for argument’s sake, let’s look at the first 13 MVC games.
A Potent Offense
Offensively, the 2021 Ramblers are putting up bigger numbers than the 2018 team — with only one player averaging double-digit points per game.
So far in Valley play, Loyola Chicago is averaging 73.3 points per game on 52.4% shooting, including 35.7% from three-point territory, with 15.8 assists on 27.0 made field goals. To put that in perspective, the 2018 team averaged 70.9 points per game on 50.3% shooting, 40.3% from downtown and 15.2 assists on 21.3 made field goals.
Maybe the biggest difference has come on the boards. Three years ago, the Ramblers averaged 29.1 rebounds per game. Now, that number is 32.0, with Cameron Krutwig averaging 6.1.
In comparison, the Ramblers were more efficient in 2017-18, but didn’t shoot as well from the field despite a better three-point percentage. Plus, five different players scored 10 or more points per game that year. This season, only Krutwig — who was a freshman on that Final Four team — is in double figures this year with 15.5 points per game. The next closest? Tate Hall with 8.7.
Lock-Down Defense
When he was an assistant under Porter Moser, Bryan Mullins — a two-time MVC Defensive Player of the Year at Southern Illinois — was seen as the architect of the Loyola Chicago defense. In 2019, Mullins became the head coach at his alma mater, which left some wondering how Loyola Chicago’s defense would look without him.
It seems to be doing just fine.
Through 13 Valley games this year, the Ramblers have held opponents to 54.2 points per game on 39.1% shooting and 30.3% three-point shooting. In 2018, those numbers were 60.3 points allowed per game, 42.6% shooting and 32.2% three-point shooting.
So despite Mullins’ departure, the Loyola Chicago defense has actually taken a big leap.
What’s The Answer?
To answer the original question, it’s a mixed bag of sorts. The 2018 team had more individual scoring depth, but as a team, the 2021 Ramblers are putting up better numbers. On paper, this year’s Loyola Chicago squad appears better than the one three years ago.
But the real question: Can the Ramblers repeat their Final Four success? Stay tuned.