The No. 1-seed UConn Huskies will take on the No. 3-seed Illinois Fighting Illini in the Elite Eight. This game will be one for the ages. Both teams have been putting up fantastic offensive numbers during this tournament, so look for a high-scoring affair.

UConn Huskies

The defending national champs have been nothing short of dominant so far this tournament. They beat 16-seed Stetson Hatters 91-52, 9-seed Northwestern Wildcats 75-58 and 5-seed San Diego State Aztecs 82-52. None of their games were even close. The most impressive game was beating a tough Aztec team by thirty points. The Aztecs are a strong defensive program, although they didn’t look it this game. The Huskies simply have the offence to put up elite numbers against any team. Anyone on the team can step up and lead the team on any given night, which makes this team scary.

Illinois Fighting Illini

This has been an interesting season for the Fighting Illini. They’ve been up and down, but at their best, their offence is one of the best in the country. This tournament they beat 14-seed Morehead State Eagles 85-69, 11-seed Duquesne Dukes 89-63 and 2-seed Iowa State Cyclones 72-69. Their win against the Cyclones was a phenomenal offensive performance, as they scored 72 points.

The Cyclones defence is one of the toughest in the country, and to still score that much is impressive. The Fighting Illini are led by Terrance Shannon, who is one of the hottest players in the country at the moment and cannot be stopped offensively. 

Elite Eight Matchup

These are two incredible offensive teams, and it will be extremely clear when they play. UConn has been able to outpace every team they’ve faced so far, but they won’t be able to do so against Illinois. The Fighting Illini also have the depth to match up with the Huskies. Terrance Shannon, Marcus Damask and Coleman Hawkins are all great starters, and with Dain Dainja coming off the bench, this team is hard to stop. The Huskies’ depth is strong too, as Tristen Newton, Stephon Castle, Cam Spencer and Donovan Clingan can all lead the team on any given night.

The most exciting matchup will be Terrance Shannon and Tristen Newton. Both are leaders of their teams and incredible scorers. These two alone could put on a show. The most impactful matchup however may be Donovan Clingan and Coleman Hawkins. The Huskies haven’t faced many teams who can match up with their seven-footer. The guards and forwards match up well but the big men might be the difference. If Hawkins can neutralize, or at least match Clingan, this game will be much more exciting.

One note for the Huskies is that they haven’t played a close game in the tournament, this year or last. This doesn’t mean they can’t, but it hasn’t been seen. If the Illini keep this game close, could the Huskies cave to the pressure? They simply haven’t been in that situation yet. A emphatic coach like Dan Hurley certainly wouldn’t help calm nerves. 

The Huskies open as big 8.5-point favourites, but if the Fighting Illini offence plays like they can, this Elite Eight matchup can be an instant classic.