Second Round Preview – Atlanta Region
(4) Cincinnati vs. (5) Illinois
Something will have to give Sunday as two of hotter teams in college basketball will play with a spot in the Sweet Sixteen on the line as Illinois and Cincinnati face each other in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Fighting Illini has won thirteen of their last fourteen games, while the Bearcats have won eight of nine. One of these hot streaks will end, while another will take its team to Atlanta. Illinois looked every bit of its No. 5 seed, easily disposing of No. 12 Murray State, 72-53. Cincinnati however took its game with No. 13 East Tennessee State to the final seconds before winning 80-77. With the game tied, Tony Bobbitt hit a three-pointer with less than 20 seconds remaining, sealing the win. If Friday is any indication, then Illinois could hold an advantage thanks to its quick backcourt. Lightning-fast Tim Smith danced circles around the Bearcats backcourt Friday, scoring 26 points. Bad news for Cincinnati: Dee Brown is even better.
Brown scored 21 points Friday and is the team’s second leading scorer and second in assists. He is partnered with fellow sophomore Deron Williams, who leads the team in scoring and led the Big Ten in assists this year with a 6.1 average. Both are quick and can shoot the three-pointer or drive to the hole. The Bearcats depend on Field Williams and Bobbitt to live from beyond the arc; whichever team has more long-range success will have the advantage. Inside the Bearcats have an edge with Jason Maxiell and Eric Hicks. Both are excellent offensive rebounders and are capable of blocking shots. Maxiell swatted away five Friday and the team finished with thirteen blocks. Sophomore James Augustine is the team’s best big man, averaging 9.6 points and 7.3 rebounds for the season. If Augustine can hold his own, Illinois should be in good shape.
