The NCAA Tournament rolls on to the Elite Eight with a matchup between Illinois and UConn in a battle of high powered offenses. The Huskies smashed San Diego State by 30 in the Sweet 16. The Illini, on the other hand, won a tight game with Iowa State in the previous round. We’re all set for what should be a very entertaining game.
UConn has been absolutely destroying teams so far in the tournament. They have won their first three games by an average of 28 points. Everyone knows UConn’s offense is firing on all cylinders. All five of their starters are averaging double digit points per game, with four of the five shooting at least 32% from behind the arc. One aspect of their team that could get overlooked is their defense. They are 10th in the country in terms of scoring defense and have not allowed more than 58 points in this tournament. They will have their hands full with Terrance Shannon and Marcus Domask, though.
The Illini have won seven straight games, led by Shannon and Domask on offense. Shannon was able to lead the team to a win over the Cyclones in the Sweet 16 despite a dismal free throw percentage. He came in clutch in the final minutes and proved why he is one of the best guards in the country. Illinois got here by defeating three of the top 40 defenses in the country. They will have to do that again on Saturday against the Huskies aforementioned 10th ranked scoring defense. This team has the talent to compete with the Huskies, and could be the last team to pose a serious threat to the defending champs on this side of the bracket.
