| MATCHUP | VCU Rams | Illinois Fighting Illini |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 28-7 | 25-8 |
| Spread | +11.5 -115 | -11.5 -105 |
| Moneyline | +410 | -550 |
| Total | Over 151.5 (-110) | Under 151.5 (-110) |
| Where | Illinois Stadium | |
| When | Saturday, March 21, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:50 PM EDT | |
| TV | CBS | |
VCU Rams Betting Preview
The VCU Rams beat Dayton and North Carolina. VCU has won 17 of its last 18 games.
The VCU Rams are averaging 81.6 points on 46 percent shooting and allowing 71.5 points on 43.1 percent shooting. Terrence Hill Jr. is averaging 14.9 points and 2.5 rebounds, while Lazar Djokovic is averaging 13.6 points and 1.1 assists. Jadrian Tracey is dishing 1.8 assists and Nyk Lewis is grabbing 4.6 rebounds. The VCU Rams are shooting 36.7 percent from beyond the arc and 73.9 percent from the free throw line. The VCU Rams are allowing 33.1 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 33.5 rebounds per game.
Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Preview
The Illinois Fighting Illini lost to Wisconsin and beat Penn. Illinois has split its last 10 games.
The Illinois Fighting Illini are averaging 84.5 points on 46.1 percent shooting and allowing 69 points on 41 percent shooting. Keaton Wagler is averaging 17.9 points and 4.9 rebounds, while David Mirkovic is averaging 13.8 points and 8 rebounds. Andrej Stojakovic is the third double-digit scorer and Kylan Boswell is grabbing 4 rebounds. The Illinois Fighting Illini are shooting 34.9 percent from beyond the arc and 79.3 percent from the free throw line. The Illinois Fighting Illini are allowing 31.7 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 38.9 rebounds per game.
Why the Illinois Fighting Illini will win
- Illinois has won each of its last 11 games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
- VCU has lost 21 of its last 25 games against AP-ranked opponents.
- VCU has lost the first half in nine of its last 10 games against AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
Why the VCU Rams will win
- VCU has won each of its last seven games.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Illinois’ last four NCAA Tournament games against a lower seed have produced a total of 152+ points.
- Each of VCU’s last four night games against AP-ranked opponents has produced a total of 160+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Illinois ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for opponent free throws made per game this season (9.1).
- Illinois ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw attempts per game this season (12.5).
- VCU ranks 38th among Division 1 teams for point differential per game this season (+10.2).
- VCU ranks 39th among Division 1 teams for net rating this season (+14.8).
VCU vs Illinois Prediction
I’ve been pounding the table all season for Illinois, as this team checks a lot of boxes to make a deep tournament run. With a major edge offensively, Illinois has the horses to blow VCU out of the water. However, this is a lot of points to throw at a VCU team that’s covered 7 of its last 10 games. VCU is riding a wave of momentum after a comeback win over North Carolina, and that defense can muck things up.
Also, since 2004, VCU is 12-3 ATS as a double-digit underdog. Illinois hasn’t been making bettors money over the last month and does have a loss this season as a double-digit favorite. Give me the points in a game VCU can make ugly and hang around.