Mar 12, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble (7) on defense against Clemson Tigers guard Ace Buckner (21) during the first half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

VCU vs North Carolina Prediction 3/19/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

Pick details

MATCHUP VCU Rams North Carolina Tar Heels
Team Records 27-7 24-8
Spread +2.5 -108 -2.5 -112
Moneyline +124 -148
Total Over 152.5 (-108) Under 152.5 (-112)
Where North Carolina Stadium
When Thursday, March 19, 2026
Time 06:50 PM EDT
TV TNT

The North Carolina Tar Heels and the VCU Rams will meet on Thursday night in an NCAA Tournament First Round matchup at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.

VCU Rams Betting Preview

The VCU Rams enter Thursday’s contest with a 27–7 overall record, including a 15–3 mark in conference play and a 7-3 record on the road. The Rams have compiled recent wins over George Washington, Richmond and Dayton, while dropping games to George Mason, North Carolina State and the Utah State Aggies.

Earlier this season, in the VCU Rams 79-72 victory over the Saint Joseph’s Hawks, VCU guard Brandon Jennings amassed 18 points (6 of 12 shooting from the field: 4 of 4 shooting from three-point range), 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks and 1 steal illustrating his ability to lead the Rams offense.  

The VCU Rams are averaging 81.6 points (41st in country) on 46 percent shooting from the field and 36.7 percent shooting three-point range (35th in nation) per game. Shifting our focus to the defensive side of the basketball, the Rams are allowing opponents 71.5 points per contest.

Sophomore guard Terrence Hill Jr. leads the VCU Rams averaging 14.4 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game on 46.1 percent shooting from the field per game. Junior forward Lazar Djokovic contributes 13.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1 assist and 1.2 blocks per contest. Senior guard Jadrian Tracey averages 9.9 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists on 42.6 percent shooting from the field per contest providing the Rams with further backcourt stability.

North Carolina Tar Heels Betting Preview

The North Carolina Tar Heels enter Thursday evening’s matchup with a 24–8 win‑loss record, including a 12-5 record in conference play and a 4-6 mark on the road. The Tar Heels have amassed wins over Kansas, Virginia Tech, Louisville, Duke, St. Bonaventure, and Kentucky, while losing games to Michigan State, Clemson and the Miami Hurricanes.

In the North Carolina Tar Heels 67–64 win over the Kentucky Wildcats earlier this season, North Carolina center Henri Veesaar tallied 17 points and 10 rebounds showcasing his ability to be a strong presence in the paint.

The North Carolina Tar Heels average 79.8 points on 47.3 percent shooting from the field and 34.5 percent shooting from three‑point range. Defensively, the Tar Heels are allowing opponents 71.3 points per contest.

Freshman forward Caleb Wilson leads the North Carolina Tar Heels averaging 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 8.7 assists, 2.5 steals and 1.5 blocks per game. Junior center Henri Veesaar averages 16.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2 assists per contest. Senior guard Seth Trimble is averaging 14 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1 steal per game.

Why the VCU Rams Will Win

• Superior offense. The VCU Rams are averaging 81.6 points (41st in country) on 46 percent shooting from the field and 36.7 percent shooting three-point range (35th in nation) per game.

• Guard play. Sophomore guard Terrence Hill Jr. leads the VCU Rams averaging 14.4 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game on 46.1 percent shooting from the field per game.

• Momentum. The VCU Rams arrive at tomorrow’s contest on the heels of a six-game winning streak.

Why the North Carolina Tar Heels Will Win

 • Conference play. The North Carolina Tar Heels compiled a 12-5 record in ACC conference play, including a victory over the Duke Blue Devils.

• Frontcourt presence. Wilson and Veesaar combine for over 37 points and 19 rebounds per game.

• Quality offense. The North Carolina Tar Heels average 79.8 points on 47.3 percent shooting from the field and 34.5 percent shooting from three‑point range.

VCU Rams vs. Saint Joseph’s Hawks Prediction

This matchup features a North Carolina team that enters the NCAA tournament with an injury to the team’s best player (Caleb Wilson is out) against a VCU squad that has been surging lately (6-game winning streak). In my view, North Carolina should win this one, but I like the Rams to stay within the number (2.5) here. For the reasons just noted, I am backing the VCU Rams plus the 2.5 points in this game.

Hans Geevers's Pick: VCU +2.5