Expert prediction
NCAA Second Round: VCU vs Illinois Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 21)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Rams stunned North Carolina in the first round.
- The Fighting Illini blew out Penn in the Round of 64.
- This marks the second all-time matchup between the two squads.
The evening hours of the NCAA Tournament’s second round will grace several matchups featuring the VCU Rams and the Illinois Fighting Illini. The latter comes out as the solid favorite, showing that the Rams have their work cut out for them throughout one of the more intriguing matchups on Saturday.
How to Watch
- When: Saturday, March 21, 7:50 pm ET
- Where: Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Greenville, South Carolina
- How to Watch: CBS
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| VCU | -109 | +11 | O151 |
| Illinois | -111 | -11 | U151 |
Game Preview
The Rams (28-7) made serious noise in the first round after pulling off a second-half rally to stun North Carolina. Terrence Hill Jr. converted the go-ahead 3-pointer in the final seconds to complete a 19-point comeback and send the Tar Heels packing. Hill scored a career-high 34 points, shooting 7-of-10 from 3-point range and 13-of-23 from the floor. Nyk Lewis scored 16 points and grabbed seven rebounds on 5-of-8 shooting. Meanwhile, Lazar Djokovic had 15 points, going 5-of-11 from the floor, grabbing five rebounds and adding two blocks.
The Fighting Illini (25-8) made easy work of Penn in the first round, displaying their prowess to get to the Round of 32. David Mirkovic dominated with a 29-point, 17-rebound double-double to lead Illinois to the blowout win. His 17 rebounds broke the Illinois record for most rebounds in an NCAA Tournament game. Meanwhile, Keaton Wagler tallied 18 points, seven rebounds and a game-high seven assists. Kylan Boswell (13 points), Tomislav Ivisic (12) and Ben Humrichous (12) also scored in double-figures.
VCU vs Illinois Head-to-Head
The two programs have had one meeting in their history, and the result is 1-0 for the Fighting Illini. The last matchup was in December 2016 when Illinois won 64-46.
VCU vs Illinois Predictions
The winner of this matchup will take on the victors between Texas A&M and Houston in the Sweet 16. VCU certainly deserves the recognition to keep up with the best squads int eh country, taking down North Carolina in remarkable fashion. However, Illinois possess a healthier squad that North Carolina had, which would bode well for the Fighting Illini’s chances of moving on to the next round. Our betting pick here is the Fighting Illini to defend a 11-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick: Illinois Fighting Illini -11
NCAAB
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