Just as in the Alabama game, Iowa State came charging back in the second half. But unlike the Alabama game, the team leading at halftime stopped the momentum. Curtis Jones from the Cyclones made a three pointer to cut the lead to 2 with 5 minutes. But Terrence Shannon Jr hit a three pointer from the corner. Then, after a Tre King layup, Illinois came down again and this time, Luke Goode hit the three pointer and the lead was back to 6.

Iowa State’s Curtis Jones made a layup to cut the lead to 3 with a minute to play. After running the shot clock down, Shannon got fouled – but only made one of the two free throws.

But the next possession was the final straw. The Cyclones were moving the ball around the perimeter trying to get a three point shot off, and Shannon jumped out and stole the pass. There was nothing at that point that was going to stop the speedy Shannon as his dunk put Illinois up 6 with 17 seconds left.

The Cyclones didn’t give up – Jones drew a foul on a three pointer and hit all 3 free throws to cut the lead to 3. But Shannon hit the two free throws to ice the game. Tre King would score right before the buzzer – but there was no more time left. Illinois ran out the clock and upset the Cyclones 72-69.

So, in a tournament of watching the chalk advance, as all 8 of the top 2 seeds advance to the Sweet 16, saw 3 of those 8 lose tonight as the underdogs revolted. Only UConn was able to withstand the carnage.

So we will have UConn against Illinois in the East and Alabama against Clemson in the West on Saturday.