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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Chris Duarte Oregon Ducks Iowa Hawkeyes (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Oregon Tops Iowa

The Ducks pulled off one of the more impressive upsets of the Round of 32 as they knocked off 2-seed Iowa 95-80 to advance to the Sweet 16.

Oregon had it all clicking on the offensive end as they shot 55.9% from the field, as well as 44% from three. The Ducks had four players in double-figures led by Chris Duarte who finished with 23 points, LJ Figueroa with 21 points and 5 3’s, and Eugene Omoruyi with 17 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. Iowa’s Luka Garza finished with a game-high 36 points in what was his final game in a Hawkeye uniform.

This was an impressive showing from the Ducks as this was their first game in nine days due to their First Round matchup with VCU canceled. Oregon now has a Sweet 16 matchup with Pac-12 rival USC up next. Can the 7-seed Ducks keep the momentum going?

Next. Biggest winners and losers from first 2 rounds. dark

A few other notable takeaways from the Round of 32 include Syracuse becoming a legit threat, Alabama, Florida State, and Villanova dominating, and 1-seeds Gonzaga and Michigan being tested and responding.

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