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College Basketball World Thinks Illinois Got Screwed By Their Draw In NCAA Tournament

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 12: Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood on the sidelines during the men's Big Ten tournament college basketball game between the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and Illinois Fighting Iliini on March 12, 2021, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire)

The Illinois Fighting Illini were one of the hottest teams in college basketball heading into the NCAA Tournament. The Illini had won 14 of their past 15 games, including taking home the trophy from the Big Ten Tournament.

Their late surge gave them a #1 seed in March Madness. Unfortunately, Illinois ran into a really good Loyola-Chicago team. So good, that people are wondering…why were they an #8 seed in the tourney?

Many people were asking about the NCAA’s decision to have Loyola as an #8 seed when there was so much evidence that they should have been higher.

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Now, to make a run in the NCAA Tournament you have to beat the best teams. Whether that’s in the second round, or in the Final Four, you’re going to have to play better than the Illini played against Loyola today.

With that being said, Loyola just isn’t an #8 seed. Their metrics aren’t that of an #8 seed, they have pedigree, and they’re one of the top defensive teams in the country. Definitely not an #8 seed, and Illinois deserved better after earning a #1 seed.

But, it is what it is, and the NCAA has another great story on their hands with the Loyola Ramblers. As for Illinois, it’ll be wait till next year, once again.


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