Both teams play at an extremely slow pace on offense. Oregon State ranks 314th in the nation in possession time, and Loyola (Chicago) is 306th. The Ramblers' defense is second best in the nation and allows just 55.8 points per game. Away from home as a favorite, Loyola (Chicago) is 7-3 to the under.

No. 12 Oregon State vs. No. 8 Loyola (Chicago) in Midwest Region. First game of the Sweet 16 on Saturday afternoon. Could the Ramblers actually take a Power 5 conference champion lightly? There might be a slight letdown after the shocking upset of Big Ten champion and Big Brother Illinois in the Round of 32. The Beavers have been underdogs in eight straight games and have won seven of those outright. Overall, they’re 12-1 ATS in their past 13. Thus, I have to take the touchdown (and PAT) here. OSU 7-foot-1 center Roman Silva could create some defensive problems if he stays out of foul trouble for Ramblers star center Cameron Krutwig, who is maybe 6-foot-8.

It's scary to fade Loyola and the nation's No. 1 defense. But this spread has gotten too big, especially with such a low total. Roman Silva and Oregon State's other big men will do a better job on Cameron Krutwig than Kofi Cockburn did. The Beavers are comfortable in this underdog role and will keep this competitive.

The Beavers have won and covered their last five games and covered 12 of their last 13. They’ve covered 20 games this season as their true rating never caught up. Their rating still may not be proper, but I’m still willing to lay the points with the efficient Loyola squad which has covered the number in its last five games while riding an eight-game win streak. Everything Loyola does is textbook on both sides of the ball. Loyola to cover.

Loyola is a legitimate top 25 team in college basketball this season, but they shouldn't be -6.5 favorites over any remaining team not named Oral Roberts. The Ramblers have been successful in the first two rounds thanks to their strong defensive efforts, contrasting style of play, and a massive game from Cameron Krutwig. The issue here is Oregon State has a meaningful amount of time to prepare for Krutwig, and most importantly they have the personnel to slow him down. I love the size of the Beavers with Roman Silva (7-1, 265), and the combo of Maurice Calloo (6-10, 220) and Dearon Tucker (6-10, 240) off the bench behind him. My simulations make Oregon State just +3.9 point underdogs. Take the points.