NCAA Basketball: Ranking all 14 matchups for 2021 ACC/Big Ten Challenge
8. Notre Dame at Illinois
The Fighting Irish returns just about everyone from last season, led by the duo of Prentiss Hubb and Nate Laszewski. Their problem has been on the defensive end and it’s hard to envision them being much better next season. That’s good news for Illinois, who’s replacing stars Ayo Dosunmu and Kofi Cockburn this offseason.
Andre Curbelo, Utah transfer Alfonso Plummer, and Trent Frazier is a great backcourt trio but if Florida transfer big man Omar Payne doesn’t have a big season, the Illini will be too one dimensional to be a tournament team. However, that won’t matter against a poor defense in the Irish. But both teams have tournament aspirations so this one will certainly matter.
Prediction: Illinois
7. Iowa at Virginia
I’m automatically interested in games featuring offensively strong units versus defense-oriented. Had this game occurred last season, things would’ve been really interesting. Instead, we’ll have to do without National Player of the Year Luka Garza for the Hawkeyes, along with the frontcourt duo of Sam Hauser and Jay Huff for the Cavaliers.
There still are some players to watch, including Keegan Murray and 6th-year point guard Jordan Bohannon for Iowa and East Carolina transfer Jayden Gardner looking to lead the way for Virginia. Both programs have less talent compared to last season but will still look to lean on their respective strengths to get this win. I trust UVA head coach Tony Bennett more and without the best player in the country, the Hawkeyes are due for a drop-off.