The 2021 NCAA Tournament is finally here!
Check below for a breakdown of today’s games:
Illinois/Loyola Chicago
This is a massive game in the state of Illinois. The Ramblers’ defense is elite, but it may not be enough to slow down the Illini’s one-two punch of Ayo Dosunmu and Kofi Cockburn. Keep an eye on Illinois freshman Adam Miller, whose shot making ability could be a major key in this matchup.
Wisconsin/Baylor
This is a dangerous spot for Baylor. Wisconsin’s age, toughness, and experience is made for the controlled environment in Indianapolis. This matchup is reminiscent of the Badgers’ matchup in the Round of 32 against Villanova in 2017.
Syracuse/West Virginia
Buddy Boeheim is averaging 29.3 points and is 18-30 from three-point range over his last three games. West Virginia has to slow him down in order to advance. This is a juicy matchup between two old Big East rivals.
Texas Tech/Arkansas
Arkansas scored 85 points in its first round win over Colgate. Texas Tech only surrendered 53 points in its first round win over Utah State. Something’s gotta give.
Houston/Rutgers
The Cougars are the best offensive rebounding in college basketball. Rutgers’ ability to keep them off the glass will determine if it has a chance to advance. Steve Pikiell needs a big game out of his baseline to get to the Sweet 16.
Florida/Oral Roberts
Max Abmas and Kevin OBanor are one win away from becoming the biggest story in the 2021 NCAA Tournament. Florida has a golden opportunity to get to the second weekend.
North Texas/Villanova
Cinderella is wearing green, but Villanova should have a decisive advantage inside with Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, who had 22 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists in Friday night’s win over Winthrop.
Oregon State/Oklahoma State
Momentum is a real thing in March and Oregon State has it. Do the Beavers have enough to pick off Cade Cunningham and the Cowboys? To be determined. Cunningham is due for a breakout game after going 3-14 from the field against Liberty.
Leftovers:
- INSIDE COLLEGE BASKETBALL NOW (8/20): Guest — Purdue’s Matt Painter
- Murray State will play NC State, Wisconsin to face Seton Hall in Baha Mar Hoops Bahamas Championship
- INSIDE COLLEGE BASKETBALL NOW (8/19): Guest — UConn’s Dan Hurley
- INSIDE COLLEGE BASKETBALL NOW (8/18): Guest — North Carolina’s Michael Malone
- INSIDE COLLEGE BASKETBALL NOW (8/13): Guest — Kansas’ Bill Self
