Breaking down the East Region matchups: No. 1 UConn vs. No. 5 San Diego State and No. 2 Iowa State vs. No. 3 Illinois

Illinois’ Marcus Domask drives to the basket during the first half of an NCAA Tournament game at CHI Health Center on March 23, 2024 in Omaha, Neb. BOSTON — San Diego State coach Brian Dutcher knows what awaits him. Late Sunday, moments after his Aztecs punched their ticket to Boston for the Sweet 16, he was asked for his early thoughts on facing UConn, and he cut to the chase.

UConn is unquestionably the favorite to cut down the nets Saturday night, not only as the No. 1 tournament seed but with a clear home-court advantage. After cruising to the Sweet 16 with wins in nearby New York, UConn fans are set to take over the Garden — just a 90-minute drive from their campus in Storrs — to cheer the Huskies in their chase for a second consecutive national championship. Even coach Dan Hurley couldn’t resist his urge to turn TD Garden into “Storrs North.

Jaedon LeDee was one of the most improved players in the country. LeDee transferred from TCU in 2021 and was a key reserve on last season’s Final Four team before blossoming into an All-American this year, averaging 21.5 points and 8.4 rebounds. The Aztecs’ hopes will run through LeDee, who scored 32 points in their first-round victory and 26 points as they advanced to the Sweet 16. The 6-foot-9, 240-pounder is an absolute load to deal with and will be a difficult matchup for Clingan.

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