Expert prediction
NCAA First Round: VCU vs North Carolina Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 19)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Rams make their fourth NCAA Tournament appearance this decade.
- The Tar Heels make their 55th NCAA Tournament appearance in program history.
- This marks the first all-time matchup between the two squads.
An intriguing matchup will go down in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament when the VCU Rams take on the North Carolina Tar Heels. The latter stands tall as the slight favorite, understanding the effects of this game as a spot in the second round of March Madness is on the line.
How to Watch
- When: Thursday, March 19, 6:50 pm ET
- Where: Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Greenville, South Carolina
- How to Watch: TNT
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| VCU | -115 | +2.5 | O151 |
| North Carolina | -105 | -2.5 | U151 |
Game Preview
The Rams (27-7) are hot off their second straight Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament Championship, taking down Dayton in the championship game to punch their ticket to the Big Dance. Terrence Hill Jr. leads the attack with 14.6 points and 2.8 rebounds per game on 38% shooting from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Laza Djokovic will intend to be active on both sides of the ball with 13.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 1.1 assists per game this season.
This tournament will be tough for the Tar Heels (24-8) playing without star Caleb Wilson as he is out for the tournament due to a hand injury. They are 5-3 without Wilson this season. In those games, Carolina is averaging 73.4 points, shooting 46% from the floor and has one more rebound than its opponents. Seth Trimble is averaging a career-high 14 points this season, an increase of 2.4 per game from last season. Meanwhile, Henri Veesaar is Carolina’s first 7-footer ever to make multiple three-pointers. He is 37 for 88 from three, leads the team in three-point percentage (.420) and is fourth in made threes.
VCU vs North Carolina Head-to-Head
The two programs are facing each other for the first time in their respective histories.
VCU vs North Carolina Predictions
The winner of this game will take on the victors between Illinois and Penn on Saturday, March 21. North Carolina has dealt with its fair share of injuries, being resilient in the face of adversity. VCU has impressed throughout the course of the season, but their quality of play will be put to the test against the Tar Heels’ defense. Our betting pick here is the Tar Heels to cover a 2.5-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick: VCU Rams -2.5
NCAAB
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