Honestly, the energy around Gentile Arena this season has been a total roller coaster. If you’ve been following the Loyola Ramblers basketball schedule, you know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s been a year of grit, some tough-to-swallow home losses, and a defense led by Miles Rubin that honestly keeps the Ramblers in games they probably have no business being in.
We are deep into the 2025-26 Atlantic 10 slate now. Things are getting intense. The Ramblers (5-13, 1-4 A-10) are currently fighting through a bit of a mid-January slump, but the upcoming stretch of games is where seasons are made or broken in this league.
The January Grind: Staying Alive in the A-10
January hasn't exactly been kind to the Maroon and Gold. After a tight 70-68 loss to Dayton to open the year at home and a disappointing night against Davidson, the Ramblers hit a wall against George Washington on the road, giving up 101 points. That stung.
Most recently, on January 13, Loyola hosted George Mason at Gentile. It was a tale of two halves. The Ramblers actually led 47-41 at the break, looking like they finally found their rhythm. Then the second half happened. George Mason went on a tear, outscoring Loyola 41-27 to seal an 82-74 win.
Looking ahead at the Loyola Ramblers basketball schedule, the road doesn't get any easier. Here is what’s coming up fast:
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- Friday, Jan 16: At Dayton (7:30 PM CST). This is a massive revenge game. Dayton is always a tough environment, but if the Ramblers want to prove they belong in the top half of the conference, they have to compete at UD Arena.
- Tuesday, Jan 20: At St. Bonaventure (6:00 PM CST). A trip to the Reilly Center is never fun. It’s loud, it’s cold, and the Bonnies play a physical brand of ball that will test Loyola’s frontcourt.
- Saturday, Jan 24: Vs. Duquesne (1:00 PM CST). Finally, back home at Gentile. This is a game Loyola basically must win to keep their morale up before the February push.
- Tuesday, Jan 27: Vs. Saint Joseph’s (8:00 PM CST). Another home tilt against a Hawks team that likes to run.
Why the Defense is Still the Story
Even with the losses, you can't talk about this team without mentioning Miles Rubin. The guy is a human eraser. He currently leads the A-10 in blocks, averaging over 2.5 per game. In that George Mason game, he wasn't just blocking shots; he was facilitating, putting up 14 points and 6 assists.
Justin Moore is still the engine on offense, averaging 13.3 points. He’s the veteran presence they need when the young guys like freshman Nic Anderson start feeling the pressure of a late-clock situation.
February and the Road to Pittsburgh
Once we clear January, the schedule shifts into the final gear. The Atlantic 10 Men’s Basketball Championship is set for March 11-18, 2026, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh.
To get a decent seed, the Ramblers need to capitalize on their February home games.
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February 3rd vs. La Salle is a big one. It’s one of those games where if the shots are falling for guys like Kayde Dotson and Deywilk Tavarez, Loyola can blow the doors off. But if they struggle from the perimeter—where they’ve been hovering around 32% as a team—it becomes a dogfight.
The Atlantic 10 is famously "cannibalistic." Anyone can beat anyone on a Tuesday night in February. We've seen Loyola pull off stunners before, and the talent is there. They just need to find a way to put two solid halves together.
Navigating the Gentile Arena Experience
If you're planning on heading to a game, Gentile Arena remains one of the best atmospheres in mid-major basketball. The student section has been showing out, even during this rough patch.
Tickets for the Saint Joseph’s game on the 27th are still available, and honestly, the midweek night games have a different kind of vibe. It’s smaller than the big NBA-style arenas, which means you’re right on top of the action. You can hear Coach Drew Valentine shouting instructions from the sideline, which adds a layer of intensity you just don’t get on TV.
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Key Stats to Watch
If you're a bettor or just a die-hard fan looking at the box scores, watch the "Points off Turnovers" category. Right now, Loyola is giving up about 15 points per game off their own mistakes while only scoring about 9. That gap is the difference between a 1-4 conference record and a 3-2 record.
Also, keep an eye on Kymany Houinsou. He’s been a Swiss Army knife lately, doing a bit of everything. In the Mason game, he was a perfect 6-of-6 from the field. If he starts looking for his shot more, it takes a massive weight off Justin Moore’s shoulders.
Actionable Steps for Rambler Fans
If you want to stay on top of the Loyola Ramblers basketball schedule and ensure you don't miss the turnaround, here is the best way to handle the rest of the season:
- Sync the Calendar: Head to the official Loyola Athletics site and download the schedule directly to your phone. With the A-10 frequently moving games for TV (ESPN+ and USA Network), times can shift.
- Watch the "NET" Rankings: If you're hoping for a postseason miracle, keep an eye on how the A-10 opponents are doing. Wins over teams like Dayton or VCU carry way more weight for tournament seeding.
- Check the Injury Report: Xavier Amos has been limited recently. This team's ceiling changes significantly depending on his health and availability in the rotation.
- Secure A-10 Tournament Travel: If you're a traveler, start looking at Pittsburgh hotels now. The A-10 tournament is a marathon, and the city fills up fast once March hits.
The season isn't over. One win can spark a run, and with the way the A-10 is shaped this year, the Ramblers are only a couple of home wins away from being right back in the mix for a middle-of-the-pack seed. It's about finding consistency in the second half.