We're left with only 16 teams in the NCAA Tournament.
While the second round of the NCAA Tournament didn’t see as many upsets, it was still an exciting weekend. After all, we'll get some really competitive games in the Sweet 16, with most of the favorites advancing.
Below, I'll break down the two East Region matchups for the Sweet 16. Can we get an upset in one of these games?
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#3 Illinois Fighting Illini vs. #2 Iowa State Cyclones
This game should be one of the best on the Sweet 16 slate.
Iowa State has gotten by South Dakota State and Washington State, but now the Cyclones will have to face a seriously dominant Illinois team. Like Iowa State, Illinois hasn't played against tough competition to begin the tournament, with wins against Morehead State and Duquesne.
In reality, Illinois has looked much more crisp than Iowa State over the first two games. The Fighting Illini have the best offense in the nation, having added 85 points against Morehead State and another 89 points against Duquesne.
However, they're matched up against Iowa State, who leads the team in defensive efficiency. The Cyclones are really good at forcing turnovers and have held teams to 31.5% from three and 47.2% from downtown. However, due to all of the pressure they use on defense, the Cyclones aren't good on the defensive glass.
Illinois is pretty good with the ball, allowing only 15% of turnovers. If the Fighting Illini escape the pressure and keep the turnovers down, they should get some really good looks, even against Iowa State.
On the other hand, Iowa State's offense won't blow Illinois out of the water. The Fighting Illini won't add turnovers, and they're also bad at defending the three. However, Iowa State has only scored 26.5% of its points from three. It'd rather score inside.
Illinois has held teams to 46.5% from inside the arc. Advantage Illinois.
I'm rolling with Illinois to pull off the upset.
Bet: Illinois ML (+115)
