2022 NCAA Tournament: Key matchups for Sunday’s Round of 32 games

With eight more games on the slate for Sunday in the 2022 NCAA Tournament, take a look at the five most intriguing matchups as the final 16 squads look to punch their ticket to the Sweet 16.

Houston Cougars vs. Illinois Fighting Illini (East Region) – 12:10 PM EST

The Houston Cougars made things look easy in their opening-round 82-68 victory over the UAB Blazers while the Illinois Fighting Illini battled with the Chattanooga Mocs until the very end in a 54-53 victory in another game that could come down to the wire.

The Cougars will give Illinois all they can handle led by head coach Kelvin Sampson’s high-powered offense. Senior guard Kyler Edwards is coming in hot off a 25-point performance that saw him drain six 3-pointers against the Blazers in their win on Friday night. Jamal Shead and Taze Moore also combined for 13 assists while they shot 47.6 percent (10-of-21) from 3-point range.

Illinois survived a defensive slugfest that saw the Mocs miss their final two shots as time expired. The Fighting Illini held their best player, Malachi Smith, to 4-of-20 shooting from the field and 12 points although they had a poor shooting day from the field in their own right.

They shot 17.6 percent from behind the arc and 38.8 percent (19-of-49) from the field. Don’t be surprised if they coming out firing on all cylinders in what should be a shootout against the Cougars.