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The Breakfast Buffet: Oregon will be waiting for Iowa, Michigan’s Round of 32 opponent will be capable, UCLA-Michigan State

Who’s hungry for college basketball?

Here’s today’s installment of “The Breakfast Buffet”, a daily column that can be found here every single morning getting you caught up to date on everything that’s happened from the day/night before and everything that’s going to happen in the next 24 hours.

Mangia!

Things To Sample

Oregon will be waiting for Iowa
I’ve said it for weeks: Oregon will be the most underseeded team in the NCAA Tournament. That’s not good for VCU, who will be the Rams’ first-round opponent. It’s also not good for Iowa, who could potentially play Dana Altman’s team in the second round. Oregon has the speed, athleticism, and style to give Iowa fits up and down the court. This could be one of the best games during the first week of the tournament if it happens.

Michigan’s Round of 32 opponent is also going to be very capable
Both St. Bonaventure and LSU have the requisites to push the Wolverines in their second game of the NCAA Tournament, especially if Michigan is without Isaiah Livers. The Bonnies start five juniors and are exceptionally well coached by Mark Schmidt while the Tigers are one of the top offensive teams in the sport and nearly beat Alabama for the SEC title on Sunday. Juwan Howard’s team will be severely tested in the Round of 32 regardless of its opponent. 

UCLA-Michigan State could be the most anticipated First Four game in history
That is not hyperbole. Standalone games are a great thing when they occur in college basketball and especially in the NCAA Tournament. It’s even better when it features two blue blood programs. While both the Bruins and Spartans have not had vintage seasons, this is still an incredible matchup to kick off the 2021 NCAA Tournament when games begin on Thursday. 

The door is open for Purdue to get to the Sweet 16
Nothing is ever going to be easy in the NCAA Tournament, but Matt Painter has to be happy with his draw. Purdue will open the Round of 64 against a scrappy North Texas team out of Conference-USA and then if it advances, it will play either Villanova or Winthrop. The Wildcats have been a shell of themselves since they lost Collin Gillespie to a season-ending knee injury and should have their hands full with Winthrop. The Boilermakers have an outstanding opportunity to get the second weekend while playing in close proximity to their West Lafayette campus. 

UC Santa Barbara is a dangerous first game for Creighton
The Gauchos may play in the Big West, but their roster is more synonymous with a team that plays in the American Athletic Conference. Three of US Santa Barbara’s starters — JaQuori McLaughlin (Oregon State), Miles Norris (Oregon), and Devearl Ramsey (Nevada) —- all started their careers at higher levels and won’t be intimidated by the Bluejays. The Gauchos also have another post player — Amadou Sow — that could make an impact in most leagues in college basketball. This team is 22-4 for a reason. Creighton has its hands full in the Round of 64. 

Final Four: Gonzaga, Texas, Baylor, Illinois

Title Game: Illinois over Gonzaga

Leftovers: