The Loyola-Chicago Ramblers have done the impossible and are moving onto the Sweet 16 after upsetting the number one seed Illinois Fighting Illini. Entering the tournament as the eighth seed, Loyola-Chicago wasn't given much of a chance. Some pegged them as a possible Cinderella team after proceeding past the first round. But now, Cameron Krutwig and the Ramblers play like they're the best team in the tournament.
After beating the Fighting Illini 71-58, the Ramblers have proven to be the team to beat in the Midwest region. Cameron Krutwig has been the star player for the Ramblers this year, but he just dominated Illinois with the best performance in the tournament so far. Krutwig finished with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists, leading his team in each of those categories.
Although Krutwig dominated in this one, Loyola-Chicago shut down the Illinois offense throughout. They prevented star guard Ayo Dosunmu from shining in this matchup, as they held him to just nine points, two assists, and two rebounds. In fact, the only player that seemed to show up for the Fighting Illini was Kofi Cockburn, as he battled in the paint for 21 points and nine rebounds.
With that said, it seems like this is Cameron Krutwig's team as the ball ran through him on nearly every offensive possession. He plays like a traditional center but has the ability to find the open man on screens as well. As long as he keeps playing at this level, the Ramblers have a shot to beat anyone in the tournament.
His supporting cast did a great job in backing him up against Illinois, as the team shot 51% from the field, and 40% from beyond the arc. The Ramblers did a phenomenal job on defense as well, as they held Illinois to just 58 points. The Fighting Illini only shot 44.9% from the field and a measly 28.6% from the three-point line. Behind their offense running through their star, and the defense locking down the Fighting Illini, the Ramblers have punched their tickets to the next round.
It's yet to be determined as to who Loyola-Chicago will play next, but it will be either the Oregon Stahttps://clutchpoints.com/cameron-krutwigs…nderella-anymore/te Beavers and the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Whichever of these two teams advances, they better prepare for Cameron Krutwig and the Ramblers, as this Loyola-Chicago team has caught fire at the right time. Find out who will be Loyola's next opponent as the Beavers and Cowboys play each other on March 21st, 9:40 pm Eastern.
Loyola-Chicago is popularly known for having its superfan, Sister Jean on its side. She's been a believer in this team from the beginning, and now, it seems more will be jumping on the Ramblers' bandwagon as well. For now, the Ramblers and Sister Jean will celebrate their victory and reaching the Sweet 16. However, they'll be back to business soon, as their next game will be on March 28th.
Why be the Cinderella team when you can dominate Illinois like that? Loyola-Chicago has for sure caught the attention of every team that remains in the tournament.
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