2024 Elite Eight

Clemson +7.5 – HIT!
Houston -4.5 – Miss. RIP Shead’s ankle.

Illinois +8.5 v UConn – Prior to my research I thought this would be a closer line, but, UConn is blitzing opponents, and they are the defending champs. Respect! UConn has played a 16 seed, an 8 seed in Northwestern without a wing or their center, and then a San Diego State team who had a nice season but was just outmatched talent wise. UConn hasn’t played many teams with a tempo above 100 out of 362. UConn owned Marquette, credit to them there. They lost at Kansas, beat St John’s three times by an average of 7.5 points, and Xavier, who finished below .500, scared UConn once losing by only 5. Terrance Shannon Jr is the best transition player in college. His burst is unique and he’ll get Illinois easy buckets. I’m not going to say UConn lacks athleticism but I think they’ll struggle to contain Shannon. Another mismatch puzzle piece is Coleman Hawkins. He’s only scoring 11 a game in the tourney, but if he’s playing the five then that gets Clingan out the paint a little, and if Dainja is in with Hawkins for Illinois then he’ll have 2 inches on Karaban. UConn’s main lineup consists of three very talented, and taller guards. Illinois has the height to match with UConn everywhere except the center spot. Illinois should attack Clingan like they attacked Edey. Illinois lost both times to Purdue but the closer time they drove the rock countless amount of times, and got Edey in foul trouble. This was sort of the A&M strategy v Houston, driving and making the ref blow the whistle. Illinois, specifically Shannon, is one of the most fouled teams/player. Illinois will match UConn in height, even exceeding them at parts, and play a style where Clingan should be on the bench with foul trouble. I’m not sure if they can escape Boston with a win, but their dynamic offense should keep them in the game for 40 minutes. I’ll take the points.

Thank you,
Goose