The 2021 Midwest Region may just be the most interesting region in March Madness this year. Headlined by Illinois, the region also contains several teams that could be on fraud watch (i.e. Houston, West Virginia) and some potential sleeper teams. Anything can happen because, as Jon Rothstein says, THIS IS MARCH.
Favorite to Win
Surprise, surprise it is the No. 1 seed Illinois that open as the favorites in the Midwest region. The Fighting Illini enter tournament play as one of the hottest teams in college basketball, capturing the Big Ten title last Sunday. Illinois features perhaps the best guard-big tandem in the nation with Ayo Dosunmu running the point and Kofi Cockburn down in the block. They also have great complimentary players like Andre Curbelo, who has scored double digits in three of his last four games, including 16 against Ohio State in the championship game. Illinois ranks in the top 10 in college basketball in both offensive and defensive efficiency, making them legit title contenders.
Teams to Watch
(4) Oklahoma State
The Cowboys have become appointment television down the stretch. A lot of that has to do with freshman phenom Cade Cunningham, who has exceeded lofty expectations coming into this season. Cunningham averages 20.2 PPG to go along with 6.3 RPG and 3.6 APG. He also gets after it on defense, combining for over two steals and blocks per contest. Making it to the Big 12 Championship game was no slouch this season. While the Cowboys don’t exactly light it up from deep, they counter with inside game and a stout defense, leading the Big 12 in blocks per game. A Cade Cunningham-Ayo Dosunmu Sweet 16 matchup would be every college basketball fans dream.
(3) West Virginia
Another Big 12 team in this region, the Mountaineers seem to be flying under the radar in March. For me, this West Virginia team has an Elite 8 run in them, or a loss in the Round of 32 to either San Diego State or Syracuse. Fraud watch is on high alert. However, this may be the best offensive team that Bob Huggins has had in quite some time. Part of the reason the Mountaineers may be flying low is because the way they ended the season, losing three of four. However, those losses came against red-hot Oklahoma State (twice) and Baylor. Before this stretch, the Mountaineers had not lost consecutive games all season long, one of the most consistent teams in the nation. West Virginia features four players averaging double digits, and will need all four to contribute at a high level for the duration of the tournament. I’m interested to see just how high their ceiling can be, or just how low their floor can fall.
Potential Sleeper
(11) Syracuse
It seems like every time the Orange sneak into the tournament, they can make some magic happen. In 2016, Syracuse made the Final Four as a 10 seed. The Orange are hot at the right time, winning three of their last four. The one loss came on a buzzer beater against No. 1 seeded Virginia in the ACC Tournament. Junior Buddy Boeheim has been on fire during the month of March and his play could determine how far this team goes. The 2-3 Zone always seems to be a head-scratcher in March despite being frustrating to watch in the regular season. San Diego State has potential to be a sleeper as well, so their first round matchup will be must-watch. The bottom of the Midwest bracket is pretty up for grabs with Houston and West Virginia both being somewhat unknown going into March Madness.
Players to Watch (that were not previously mentioned)
Cameron Krutwig (Loyola Chicago)- Although Georgia Tech will be without its best player Moses Wright (COVID) the Ramblers will have big man Cameron Krutwig to lead the way. Krutwig leads Loyola Chicago in points, rebounds, assists and blocks and will be a handful down on the low block.
Quentin Grimes (Houston)- While I do think Houston took advantage of a somewhat easy schedule, Quentin Grimes is a legit NBA prospect. He’s averaged 18 points per game this season and is a threat from anywhere on the court. If Houston wants to prove itself as a true No. 2 seed, Grimes will have to be special.
Aamir Sims (Clemson)- It seems like a lot of people have Clemson on upset alert against Rutgers on Friday night. However, if one man can stop that it’s Aamir Sims. Sims has truly improved his game every single year with the Tigers, leading the team in scoring now in his senior year. It seems like when Sims plays well, the Tigers win more often than not.
Potential First Round Upset: Oregon State over Tennessee
While I don’t absolutely love this pick, I do think there’s a chance Oregon State hangs around with Tennessee. If Tennessee brings its A game, the Beavers will have no chance. The good news is the Vols are one of the most hot and cold teams in the country. Oregon State is among the hottest teams in the country right now, running the table in what I believe is a very underrated Pac 12 conference. The Beavers are ringing it from three lately, a trait that can be huge in the NCAA Tournament if they can stay hot.
Final Four Prediction: Illinois
This feels like a no-brainer. Illinois is playing fantastic basketball right now and I believe is destined to meet Gonzaga in the championship game. +650 is great value to snag on a National Championship win as well. I know it’s boring to go chalk, but I think the only possible loss for them in the Midwest Region is Oklahoma State, a team that probably should have been a three seed. However, if the Fighting Illini can get past Cunningham and Co, they should be set for a long run into April.
