#1 Illinois vs. #8 Loyola Chicago
Illinois cruised past Drexel 78-49 in the first round while Loyola won a hard-fought game against Georgia Tech 71-60. This game will feature an excellent matchup on the block between Second Team All-American Kofi Cockburn and Third Team All-American Cameron Krutwig. The Ramblers are one of the few teams in the field that have a guy who is equipped to actually bang around with Cockburn in the post.
Loyola Chicago will undoubtedly be prepared, and their defense gives them a chance in every game, but the Illini’s firepower should be able to lead them to victory.