March Madness 2021: 4 biggest takeaways from Round of 32 games

By Matt Melton | Mar 23, 2021

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 21: Lucas Williamson #1 of the Loyola Chicago Ramblers celebrates a play against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half in the second round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 21, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

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March Madness Braden Norris Loyola Chicago Ramblers(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

The Round of 32 has passed with the potential Final Four teams becoming clearer each day. The Second Round of March Madness included some big upsets, dominating performances, and more. Let’s take a look at a few notable takeaways from the Round of 32 in the 2021 NCAA Tournament.

1-seed Illinois upset, Ramblers back in Sweet 16

If your bracket wasn’t messed up enough after the Round of 64, the Round of 32 started with an upset when 8-seed Loyola-Chicago upset 1-seed Illinois 71-58.

The Ramblers shot 51% from the field, 40% from three, and got a massive game from star center Cameron Krutwig. Krutwig finished with 19 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals while shooting 50% from the field. The Illini also got 21 points and 9 rebounds from Kofi Cockburn.

One big reason for Loyola’s upset win was the Ramblers defense on Illinois star guard Ayo Dosunmu. Dosunmu was held to only nine points on 4/10 shooting while also committing 6 turnovers.

After making it to the Final Four as the “Cinderella” team in the 2018 NCAA Tournament, the Ramblers are back in the Sweet 16 three years later. Loyola-Chicago has dominated their two games so far in the NCAA Tournament, and will most likely be considered the favorite in their Sweet 16 matchup against Oregon State.

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