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 Max Abmas Oral Roberts Golden Eagles (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Oral Roberts, Oregon State, and UCLA This Year’s “Cinderella”

Cinderella keeps on dancing. This year however there appear to be three “Cinderella” teams in the Sweet 16.

Oral Roberts became only the second 15-seed in NCAA Tournament history to advance to the Sweet 16 after they knocked off 7-seed Florida 81-78. The Golden Eagles continue to be one of the main talking points of March Madness as the 2021 Summit League Champions continue to get outstanding play from stars Max Abmas and Kevin Obanor who have combined for 113 of Oral Roberts’ 156 points in their First and Second Round wins. Next up for Oral Roberts, a Sweet 16 matchup with 3-seed Arkansas.

You could also make the argument for Oregon State as this year’s “Cinderella.” The 12-seed Beavers continued their incredible postseason rise as they upset 4-seed Oklahoma State 80-70, partly due to the continued stellar play of guard Ethan Thompson who finished with 26 points and 7 rebounds. Can the Beavers keep it going and upset Loyola-Chicago to reach the Elite 8?

Lastly, UCLA has gone from the First Four to the Sweet 16. The Bruins defeated Abilene Christian 67-47 to reach the Sweet 16 with a matchup with 2-seed Alabama up next.

All three of these teams have all the capabilities to win one more the reach the Elite 8. Can the Golden Eagles, Beavers, and Bruins keep it going?

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