Just like last season, the committee did Illinois no favors with their seeding. Chattanooga will be a very tough team to beat, and if the Illini come out with the same energy that they had against Indiana last week, then a loss is almost assured. Kofi will put up around 20 points and 10 boards as usual against the Mocs, but at least one of Trent, Plummer, Grandison, or Curbelo will need to contribute much more meaningfully for the Illini to come out on top. I think that happens, and Illinois goes on to face Houston. The Cougars are something of an enigma since they’re just 1-4 against Q1 teams, and they haven’t played against a ranked team since they lost by one on the road to then-#9 Alabama in December.
TCR Staff Predictions: NCAA Tournament Opening Weekend
