Final weekend, Virginia couldn’t keep away from the upset in a slim loss to Tennessee, setting the tone for what must be a bodily and aggressive area the remainder of the way in which. Outdoors of that consequence, it was largely chalk, as Michigan, Iowa State, and Alabama every dealt with their matchups convincingly to achieve the Candy 16.
#1 Michigan vs. #4 Alabama
The Wolverines face the Crimson Tide in a conflict of two high-powered offenses. For Michigan, senior ahead Yaxel Lendeborg has been extraordinarily environment friendly, whereas junior Aday Mara and sophomore Morez Johnson Jr. anchor the paint defensively. Alabama leans closely on its perimeter capturing, which was on full show in a 90-65 win over Texas Tech. Gamers like Latrell Wrightsell have stepped up alongside Labaron Philon Jr.. Nonetheless, when Alabama goes chilly from deep, its offense can stagnate. Michigan provides extra steadiness, with the power to area the ground or impose its dimension benefit inside. That versatility was evident within the 95-72 win over Saint Louis. Michigan’s frontcourt, that includes Lendeborg, Mara, and Johnson, arguably varieties essentially the most imposing trio within the subject. Count on Michigan to say itself bodily in opposition to an Alabama protection that will wrestle to match up inside.
Matchup to Watch
Yaxel Lendeborg vs. Amari Allen
Alabama will look to restrict Lendeborg’s affect on each ends. Freshman Amari Allen will possible draw that task, presenting a serious check. Allen has flashed high-level potential, however he’ll have to be a difference-maker for Alabama to have an opportunity. Lendeborg’s motor and really feel ought to nonetheless result in manufacturing, however Allen’s capacity to compete bodily and keep disciplined might swing key moments.
#2 Iowa State vs. #6 Tennessee
Iowa State’s depth provides it a transparent benefit, notably in the case of producing offense. Senior guard Nate Heise has emerged as an x-factor, whereas Tamin Lipsey is enjoying a few of his finest basketball of the season on each ends. The Cyclones dominated Kentucky 82-63, a workforce that had given Tennessee issues all year long. When wholesome, Iowa State is troublesome to comprise, led by the complementary frontcourt of Joshua Jefferson and Milan Momcilovic. Tennessee counters with sturdy guard play from Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Bishop Boswell, however the affect of freshman Nate Ament may very well be restricted resulting from a lingering damage. If Jefferson is obtainable, Iowa State’s defensive toughness and offensive versatility ought to give it the sting.
Matchup to Watch:
Tamin Lipsey vs. Ja’Kobi Gillespie
Each guards are peaking on the proper time. Lipsey has emerged as one of many prime defensive guards within the nation, whereas Gillespie has showcased dynamic three-level scoring. Every participant can management the sport in numerous methods, whether or not via scoring or playmaking. This can be a true battle of strengths, and whichever participant dictates tempo and effectivity will possible tip the result.
Midwest Regional Closing Prediction
These outcomes would arrange a Michigan vs. Iowa State matchup within the Elite Eight, that includes two groups hitting their stride. Whereas Michigan’s frontcourt has been dominant, questions stay about its guard play, notably with LJ Cason sidelined. Iowa State’s edge comes from its backcourt and offensive versatility. Tamin Lipsey’s management, mixed with Joshua Jefferson’s point-forward capacity, provides the Cyclones a number of methods to provoke offense. Milan Momcilovic’s motion capturing, together with contributions from Nate Heise and Jamarion Bateman, provides one other layer of scoring punch. Iowa State seems to be poised to advance to the Closing 4 in Indianapolis, organising a possible Huge 12 rematch with Arizona. They might want to overcome the uncertainty surrounding Joshua Jefferson’s damage, however they seem succesful given their depth, guard play, and total offensive versatility.
Iowa St. 75 – Michigan 74
