Loyola-Chicago Ramblers vs. Kansas State Wildcats Odds, Elite Eight Betting Pick

The South bracket of the 2018 NCAA Tournament isn't just busted, it's totally blown. This region will either send a No. 9 seed, Kansas State, to the Final Four, or a No. 11 seed, Loyola-Chicago. But where does the betting value lie in Saturday night's Wildcats-Ramblers regional final?

March Madness point spread: This game opened as a pick'em; the total is at 126.5, according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark. (Line updates and matchup report)

March Madness betting pick, via OddsShark computer: 65.0-62.8, Ramblers (March Madness picks on every game)

Why Loyola-Chicago can cover the spread

The Ramblers continued their unlikely run through this NCAA tournament with a 69-68 victory over Nevada on Thursday night.

Loyola trailed by 12 early but rallied to lead 28-24 at the half. The Ramblers pushed their lead to 12 early in the second half, allowed the Wolf Pack to tie it at 59-59 with three minutes to go but took a short lead and then got a game-clinching three-pointer from guard Marques Townes in the final seconds for the win.

On the night, Loyola shot 55.8 percent from the floor, held Nevada to 41.4 percent shooting and won the battle on the glass 32-24.

The Ramblers are showing a knack for coming through in tight spots. They opened this NCAA tournament by hitting a three-pointer at the buzzer to beat Miami 64-62, then edged Tennessee 63-62 on a basket with three seconds left.

Loyola is also now shooting 51 percent from the field in this tournament. And the Ramblers are now 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS this season against teams that made this Big Dance.

Why Kansas State can cover the spread

The Wildcats sealed a 61-58 victory over what was a hot Kentucky outfit Thursday night to keep their surprising tournament hopes alive.

Kansas State jumped out to a 13-1 lead, later trailed by a point with a minute-and-a-half to go but got a driving bucket by guard Barry Brown with 20 seconds left. They then survived a couple of last-gasp Kentucky three-point attempts for the victory.

On the night Kansas State only shot 35.2 percent from the floor but held Kentucky to 38.1 percent shooting and won the turnover battle 15-10.

The Wildcats began this tournament by holding Creighton to 33.8 percent shooting in a 69-59 win, then held UM-Baltimore County to 29.8 percent shooting in a 50-43 victory.

Kansas State has now held 10 of its last 11 opponents under 50 percent shooting.

Smart betting pick

As the spread indicates, this game is a total toss-up. Ultimately, though, we shouldn't dissuade destiny, we should try to profit from it. Smart money here likes Loyola.

March Madness betting trends

Loyola-Chicago is 3-1 ATS in its last four games against Kansas State.

Kansas State is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games in March.

Loyola-Chicago is 5-1 ATS in its last six games on a Saturday.

All college basketball odds and betting trends courtesy of Bleacher Report’s official odds partner, OddsShark. Check out OddsShark on Twitter and Instagram or head to YouTube for more betting picks and analysis on this week's top games. You can also download the free odds tracker app.