NCAA Tournament 2021: Illinois, West Virginia headlines Midwest Region

(7) Clemson vs. (10) Rutgers

The definition of the Clemson Tigers this year has been streaky. There seems to be no consistency in what the Tigers have done this year. Clemson started off the year with a statement win over Alabama, only to lose the next game against Virginia Tech.

Clemson would then go on a four-game winning streak, including wins over Morehead State and Florida State. They would then lost four of their next five, including a 26 point loss to Duke. They ended the season on a winning run but got upended in the ACC Quarterfinals by Miami.

The expectations for the Scarlet Knights heading into the season were a little higher than the Tigers. They were a team that brought back a lot of talent, yet could not put together a consistent resume. Regardless, the Scarlet Knights are making their first NCAA appearance since 1991,

The Scarlet Knight’s best area is blocking and has been behind All-Big 10 Myles Johnson. Rutgers is a really bad three-point shooting and needs to go for points in the paint at times. Johnson, alongside Jacob Young, is able to supply that.

Because of the shot-blocking presence and inability for Clemson to beat a team with a pulse over the past month or two, Rutgers picks up their first NCAA Tournament win since 1983.

Rutgers wins

(2) Houston vs. (15) Cleveland State

Kelvin Sampson has done a marvelous job with Houston and turning them into a consistent juggernaut in the AAC. A big aspect behind the success has been the trio of Grimes, Sasser, and Jarreau. Their games and how complimentary they are reminds me of a lesser version of Baylor’s three-headed monster in Jared Butler, MaCio Teague, and Davion Mitchell.

Houston ranks as the second-best team in the country in points per game against, allowing just 57.9 per game. They only have three wins in single digits and only one since January 6.

The Cougars are an elite rebounding team and shoot the three-ball at a decent clip, led by Grimes 40%.

Cleveland State was able to fend off Oakland in the finals as the regular-season champions, also took the postseason crown. In the lone game against an NCAA Tournament team back in December, the Vikings nearly upset the now-No. 2 Ohio State.

The roster makeup for the Vikings is the blueprint behind a Mid-Major, flooded with junior and seniors that have started many basketball games in college. Houston has much more athletic players and Cleveland State lacks a presence in the paint. Houston handles Cleveland State and advances.

Houston wins