Second-seeded Iowa State (29-7) has the best defensive rating of the teams in the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16. Meanwhile, No. 3 seed Illinois (28-8) boasts the top offensive rating, according to Ken Pomeroy’s efficiency ratings. The two clash Thursday, March 28. The game will be live streamed on Sling (half off first month) and DirecTV Stream (free trial).

Both are also among six remaining Sweet 16 teams with Final Four appearances, but no titles.

Iowa State’s only Final Four berth was 80 years ago.

Coach T.J. Otzelberger said the Cyclones’ old school, 57-53 victory in January over Houston was emblematic of the type of defense-first mentality that has served them best this season.

Illinois hasn’t been to a Final Four since 2005 and has been relying on its unorthodox “booty ball” offensive actions, aimed at getting different post-ups and matchups.

It also revolves around the comradery of a group that wasn’t above embracing luck as it entered a venue adorned with shamrocks.

Perhaps the biggest reason for the Illini’s success on offense has been senior guard Terrence Shannon Jr., who is averaging a team-high 23.3 points per game and scored 56 points in the Illini’s first two NCAA Tournament wins over Morehead State and Duquesne.

Shannon played in Illinois’ first 11 games before the university suspended him from team activities when the criminal charge was filed against him. He returned after six games when a federal judge intervened, ruling that his civil rights were violated by a lack of due process.

When is Iowa State-Illinois?

Iowa State and Illinois play at 9:09 p.m. (10:09 p.m. ET) on Thursday, March 28.

Will game be live streamed?

Sling

Sling Orange is $40 a month (half off the first month) and offers ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN3.

DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream offers a free trial.

There are four options of DirecTV Stream:

The Entertainment Package, which consists of 65+ channels, is $69.99 until the promotion runs out April 30. It’s the basic package for can’t-miss entertainment – including ESPN, TNT, Nickelodeon and HGTV.

The Choice Package has more than 90 channels and is $84.99 during the promotion. The channels in ENTERTAINMENT, plus MLB Network, NBA TV, college sports networks, and more. Enjoy Regional Sports Networks with no additional fees.

The Ultimate Package has more than 130 channels and is $114.99 during the promotion. Everything in CHOICE, plus Oxygen, Golf Channel, NHL Network, Universal Kids and more.

The Premier Package has more than 140 channels and is $159.99 during the promotion. Everything in ULTIMATE, plus HBO Max, SHOWTIME, STARZ, Cinemax and more.

DirecTV Stream offers a free trial that doesn’t require much effort.

To sign up, enter a phone number, email address and credit card, and you’ll receive five days of the service without charge.

In addition, enhance your experience with the DirecTV Stream device. While it doesn’t include a free trial, it give you access to thousands of apps like Netflix and more on Google Play. You can search using the voice remote with Google Assistant, and you can enjoy a traditional live TV channel guide. It is sold separately.

Will game be televised?

Illinois and Iowa State will be televised on TBS but could move to truTV depending on the run time of UConn-San Diego State.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.