#7 Illinois (22-12) vs. #10 Colorado (21-11) will have the lowest combined assist total of all the first round games. Neither team moves the ball well and you will see many sloppy possessions.

This game should be re-named ‘The Inconsistency Showdown.” You never know which version of the teams will show up.

Will an Illinois win truly validate the strength of the Big Ten Conference?

Who do you think will win? We help you fill out your bracket.

The Illinois Fighting Illini had two of the best finishes this season. They beat Indiana on a last-second blown play and most recently, Illinois guard Brandon Paul hit a buzzer-beater against Minnesota to advance in the Big Ten Tournament.

Paul is the go-to scorer for Illinois. D.J. Richardson does contribute and is a nice second scoring option.

The Colorado Buffaloes rely strictly on their starting-five to score. They get next to nothing from their bench. A team with no depth does not win games in the NCAA Tournament.

Colorado’s starting five has some talent, but if Sencer Dinwiddie or Askia Booker get in foul trouble, no one on their bench can help in the back-court. I’m afraid this is as far as Colorado will go this year.

The Big Ten conference schedule beat up the Illini. Their non-conference reumxé includes a win at home against Butler and a very impressive victory at Gonzaga. Illinois might just be better than we all think.

Prediction: #7 Illinois Fighting Illini

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