MVCfans.com

Loyola looks to continue Sister Jean’s magic carpet ride for the opportunity to battle Kentucky, Chris Lowery, or the Maryland Baltimore County Retrievers to go to the Final 4.

Nevada beat ISUr by 30 and SIU by 22
vs ISUr, Nevada outrebounded ISUr by 18 and shot the lights out
vs SIU, Nevada just shot a lot better than SIU

Nevada, not unlike Loyola, is an underrated, underseeded team. Tougher matchup than Miami or Tennessee. #6 offense in the country (KenPom). Anytime you can erase a 22 point deficit in 10 minutes against the #2 defense you are capable of beating anyone. Ditto when you’re 3-0 against the top 25 and 28-2 with your best player. There’s no one left in this tournament Nevada or Loyola can’t beat.

Even though we split all 14 games the MVC played against the MWC, their top 2 (Nevada and Boise State) owned our top 3 (Loyola Southern Illinois and Illinois State, going a combined 4-0, and none of them were close. Incidentally, Nevada also swept Boise State. This is a very good, very tough, well-coached team. Rebounding, taking care of the ball, taking smart shots, and defending well are all imperative here. It's going to take another near-perfect game to get this win. Loyola cannot and should not try to get into a track meet with these guys. They need to control the tempo. I think the performance of Krutwig and Jackson is going to be super important in determining the outcome of this one. Go Ramblers!

TV schedule set. Game slated for CBS at 7e/6c.

(Still can’t get over how much the locals loved Loyola - would’ve thought the school was located in Dallas)

They've captured the hearts of people all over. I watched the end of their victory over Tennessee at my local Buffalo Wild Wings and the roars when Custer hit the game-winning shot and when Tennessee missed that final three pointer were deafening. Hopefully a strong contingent of fans and supporters old and new and from near and far can make it to Atlanta to cheer them on. I hope their run continues, and that they are able to handle the barrage of media attention sure to come this week and focus on preparing properly for the game. Go Ramblers!

Thursday is a way more interesting slate than Friday, I wish some of the games could have been switched. I think whoever wins between Loyola/Nevada has a great shot at the Final Four, the bracket has set up nicely. A matchup with Gonzaga to go to the National Championship would be awesome. I’ll admit I don’t really have a rooting interest between Loyola and Nevada because I like both but I’ll definitely be cheering on the winner in the Elite Eight.

Nevada has something like 3-4 injuries. I was all set to pick them this far or further until I read that. With that said, they get 5 days of rest, so the 6 players they do play should be well rested.

As others have posted, this is going to be tough (just like Tennessee and Miami before this) and dictating the pace of play will go a long way determining the winner.

I am cheering for Kansas State HARD regardless of who wins this one. I think the winner of Loyola vs Nevada has a great shot at the Final Four!

I had you guys loosing to Tennessee. I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt this time. Go make the elite 8!!

Why not keep it rolling? Go Ramblers!