Surprising teams await in Virginia’s Midwest region

CHICAGO | Cloudy and cool, Chicago is ready to host the next step of the NCAA tournament.

Virginia moved into the Sweet 16 for the second time in the last three seasons when it beat Butler last week in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Cavaliers find themselves in a four-team pod with two surprises and one expected visitor.

Iowa State moved through its first two games as expected and will provide Virginia with what it so often faces: a culture clash. The Cyclones want to use rapid offense. Virginia wants to slow opponents and restrict pace and space.

Syracuse and Gonzaga, seeded 10th and 11th, respectively, are part of the tournament’s stunning results thus far, though they are old heads when it comes to the NCAA tournament. The Bulldogs made the tournament for the 17th consecutive season. Syracuse has made the tournament 30 times in Jim Boeheim’s 40 seasons as coach there. Last year was not one of them, since the Orange was ruled ineligible for the tournament because of multiple NCAA violations.

Here’s a look at each heading into Friday’s games:

No. 1 Virginia (28-7)

How they arrived here: The region’s top seed made it through the first manic week like all other No. 1 seeds in the tournament. Though, it was a challenge. An easy first-round win was followed by an extended grapple with Butler in the second round.

What do they rely on: ACC player of the year Malcolm Brogdon, forward Anthony Gill and defense. Brogdon was moved to defend a surprise scoring threat from Butler, and it changed the game. No opponent has been able to handle Gill inside during the first two games of the tournament. He’s 15-for-22 (68 percent) from the field so far.

Their Achilles’ heel: There isn’t much of one. If they need size off the bench, 7-foot Mike Tobey can come in. He’s been paired with Gill in each of the first two games. The Cavaliers also received solid play from Marial Shayok, a wing off the bench who is growing into a weapon.

They said it: “It’s just now about who’s playing the best basketball at the right time and it’s possession by possession.”

— coach Tony Bennett

No. 4 Iowa State (23-11)

How they arrived here: By this tournament’s standards, the Cyclones have waltzed into the Sweet 16. A 13-point opening-round win was backed by a 17-point second-round win against upstart Arkansas-Little Rock.

What do they rely on: High pace and Georges Niang. The Cyclones are 56th in adjusted tempo, according to kenpom.com, and are second in adjusted offense. Only Michigan State was scoring at a better rate. Niang averages more than 20 points per game.

Their Achilles’ heel: They have problems defending. In past years, this would mean little to Virginia, which almost exclusively anchored itself in defense. That’s not the case this season, since the Cavaliers’ offense has become much more efficient. Virginia scores thanks to size, balance and running crisp plays.

They said it: “It’s obviously going to be a toughness battle. Who’s going to be tougher? Who’s going to really will their team to a win? That’s what it comes down to.”

— Niang

No. 10 Syracuse (21-13)

How they arrived here: When the Orange popped onto screens Selection Sunday, many grumbled. Syracuse entered the tournament with the lowest RPI in tournament history for an at-large selection. Yet, Syracuse has been one of the most dominant teams in the tournament. It defeated Dayton by 19 points in the first round, then Middle Tennessee by 25 in the second.

What do they rely on: Michael Gbinije and the 2-3 zone. Gbinije, a senior from Richmond, Virginia, is a legitimate NBA prospect as a versatile 6-foot-7 wing player. The 2-3 zone is same as it ever was for Syracuse. Finding gaps is the key.

Their Achilles’ heel: When they lose, they can’t shoot. In 13 regular-season losses, the Orange shot 30.8 percent from behind the 3-point line. Most of the year, they have been effective from two-point range. Push them out, and they can have problems.

They said it: “We’re not playing in North Carolina and Louisville and at Florida State. That’s the difference. Played good in those games, too.”

— coach Jim Boeheim on the difference in his team since the tournament started

No. 11 Gonzaga (28-7)

How they arrived here: The Bulldogs won their conference tournament to hop into the NCAA tournament. An opening win against Seton Hall was followed by a victory against No. 3 seed Utah.

What do they rely on: Frontline balance. Left-handed forward Damontas Sabonis averaged a double-double this season. He’s paired with Kentucky transfer Kyle Wiltjer, who leads Gonzaga with 20.4 points per game.

What is their Achilles’ heel: It may turn out to be its schedule. Gonzaga entered the tournament ranked 125th in strength of schedule. Usually, it counters the soft competition in the West Coast Conference with a rough nonconference schedule. That wasn’t the case this season. The Bulldogs’ nonconference schedule was just 76th in the country.

They said it: “I said before, I’ve never been as satisfied and happy, you know, just thoroughly, thoroughly pleased with a group.”

— coach Mark Few