The fourth ranked Iowa State men look to take another step toward the Final Four when they play Illinois in Boston, Thursday in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament. The winner advances to Saturday’s championship of the NCAA East Regional. Cyclone coach T.J. Otzelberger says the Illini pose a number of challenges.
Illinois is one of the top scoring teams in the country.
Otzelberger says Illinois star guard Terrance Shannon has raised his level of play since transferring from Texas Tech.
Otzelberger says the Illini are tough to defend even without a true point guard.
Iowa State guard Curtis Jones says the Cyclones will need another big effort on defense.
Jones says ball pressure will be key against an Illini team that will have a size advantage.
Jones says transition defense will be key against an Illini team that like to run.
Illinois averages nearly 85 points per game while the Cyclones give up just over 61.
That’s Illinois coach Brad Underwood who says the Illini need to find ways to score and avoid turnovers that lead to easy Cyclone baskets.
Underwood says it is difficult to prepare for the kind of pressure Iowa State brings.
