Sweet 16 Predictions - Loyola vs Oregon State - Bitcoin March Madness Basketball Sportsbookhttps://www.betcoin.ag/sweet-16-predictions-loyola-vs-oregon-state-bitcoin-march-madness-basketball-sportsbookHow Sweet it is.How Sweet it is. Heading in to this year’s Sweet Sixteen, the NCAA basketball tournament has already delivered loads of excitement. The best part of March Madness has always been the Cinderella stories and this year there have been plenty. The most intriguing matchup this weekend is #12 seed Oregon State vs #8 seed Loyola Chicago, as everyone loves an underdog story. Both of these teams are playing great basketball and one will move forward in their improbable run. There Is a lot of confidence on both sides and we expect a very high level of basketball. I’ll preview this matchup below and predict who I think will move on to the Elite 8.
Loyola Chicago vs Oregon State Prediction and Analysis14:40 - 27/03/21 - USA: NCAA Division I National Championship
Oregon State has been a stranger to the big dance as this is just their 2nd appearance since 1990. They have been playing extremely well down the stretch as they won their conference championship to earn a bid. That form has continued as they have beat two very solid opponents in Tennessee and Oklahoma State. The confidence is extremely high right now which can play a big factor in big games.
Key Players:
Ethan Thompson 6’5 G, SR 15.6ppg, 3.9rbg, 3.8apg
Thompson is a Senior guard that has steadily improved each year in Corvalis. He has increased his scoring average in each season and is now the team’s leading scorer. He has played well in the tournament so far and scored 26 points last round vs Oklahoma State.
Jarod Lucas 6’2 G, SO 13.0ppg, 2.4rbg, 1.2apg
Lucas is the second leading scorer for this Beavers team and is an excellent shooter. He shoots nearly 40% from 3pg and almost 90% from the FT line. Loyola Chicago will look to keep him off the 3pt line where he is so deadly.
Warith Alatishe 6’7 F, JR 9.5ppg, 8.6rbg, 1.7apg
Alatishe is the top post presence on this Oregon State team. He is a solid rebounder for his size and can be a disruptive force on the defensive end as he averages 1.5 blocks per game. Look for him to be active on the glass and look to give him team 2nd chance opportunities.
After a long drought in their history, Loyola Chicago is now a known commodity in March. 3 years ago they made the final four and will be looking to exceed that in this years tournament. Like Oregon State, they are playing their best basketball and knocked off the 1 seed Illinois in the last round. The run 3 years ago will give them confidence that they can do it again.
Key Players:
Cameron Krutwig 6’9 F, SR 15ppg, 6.9rbg, 3.0apg
Krutwig was a key contributor for the last final four team and has steadily improved since then. He is the teams leading scorer and rebounder and is a steady presence. His playstyle is old school and is a back to the basket post player. Last round he had an excellent performance as he managed 19 points and 12 rebounds.
Lucas Williamson 6’4 G, SR 8.8 ppg, 3.8rbg, 2.1apg
Williams is another holdover from the previous final four team. He has been a steady contributor in each of his four years and has improved each year. He is a good 3 pointer shooter evidenced by his 36.7 % on 4 attempts per game.
Braden Norris 6’0 G, SO 8.4ppg, 2.9rbp, 3.1apg
Norris is a transfer from Oakland and is having an excellent debut season for Loyola Chicago. He is an excellent shooter as he is at 41.1% on 4.3 attempts per game. Oregon State will have its hands full trying to guard the perimeter, opening up the post.
Prediction: This game is extremely hard to predict, as both teams are playing their best basketball of the year. I think the
odds are little off here and should be closer to a pick-em. Look for Oregon State to pull off the upset and advance the Elite 8. Oregon State 67 Loyola Chicago 64
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