Illinois vs VCU Prediction and Preview: NCAA Tournament Second Round

Illinois vs VCU Game Preview: Can the Ram Magic Continue Against the Red Hot Illini?

Illinois vs VCU How To Watch

Date: Saturday, March 21
Venue: Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Greenville, SC
Time: 7:50 pm ET
TV: CBS
Streaming: March Madness Live App, Paramount+, HBO Max
Teams: (3) Illinois 25-8, (11) VCU 28-7
CFN Spring Football Rankings
Illinois 28 | VCU Not Ranked
First Round
Illinois 105, Penn 70
VCU 82, North Carolina 78 OT
- CFN NCAA Tournament Schedule, Previews

Key Stats

- Illinois made 16 of 21 free throws against Penn. The Quakers made one of two, and that one came in the final moments.

- VCU hit 42% from three in the win over North Carolina.

Why VCU Will Win: Keep Shooting Threes

Illinois relies on threes to a fault.

When it’s struggling, it’ll shoot threes. When it’s winning, it’ll shoot threes. It tries to shoot its way out of problems, and it tends to ignore the giant size advantage on the inside in key moments.

That’s fine - VCU wants the bigger Illini to keep on bombing away. However, Illinois is 6-6 when opponents make at least 36% of their threes, and 2-3 when allowing teams to make 39%. VCU is 26-1 when making at least 32% of their outside shots.

If the Rams start making them, Illinois will try to match. VCU will take that deal.

Why Illinois Will Win: The Size Will Matter

VCU was able to hold its own on the boards against North Carolina, but it was -6 in total rebounds. It’s not going to come close to winning the battle on the glass against the Illini.

Illinois led the Big Ten in rebounds and offensive rebounds, and that’s the killer. It takes threes, and when it misses, more often than not, there’s a second chance. And then there’s VCU’s other issue - Illinois doesn’t miss free throws.

It hit 79% from the line, and it doesn’t foul enough to give VCU enough chances at the other end.

Illinois vs VCU Prediction, Betting Lines

North Carolina gagged.

VCU coming back to win was a nice story, and the game was a whole lot of fun, but the Tar Heels weren’t all that amazing to begin with, and it flat blew it.

Illinois won’t miss its free throws like the Tar Heels did, and it won’t shoot 28% from three, either. It’s Illinois, so there will be an energy dip at times, but the firepower and size will be too overwhelming.

Prediction: Illinois 87, VCU 68
Consensus Line: Illinois -10.5, o/u: 151.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 4

Consensus Line from BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.