Date: Saturday, March 21st
Time: 6:50 PM CT
Watch: CBS
Location: Bon Secours Wellness Arena (Greenville, SC)
The Illini move on to the second round where they’ll face a dangerous and well-balanced VCU team out of the Atlantic 10. This is a clear step up in competition — the Rams are 17-1 in their last 18 and come in with momentum, confidence, and multiple ways to score.
VCU arrives after a statement win over North Carolina Tar Heels, rallying from down 19 and showing the kind of toughness and shot-making that always seems to make VCU a real threat in March even with a new coach in Phil Martelli Jr.
VCU has put together a strong season built on efficient offense, guard play, and balance. They don’t rely on one player — instead, they bring multiple contributors who can step up in big moments.
VCU Strengths
Balanced Scoring, Deep Team, Efficient Offense
The Rams have been more effective on the offensive end this season, executing well in the half court and getting consistent production across the lineup. They space the floor and generate quality looks without relying on isolation-heavy play
VCU doesn’t depend on a single star. Multiple players average solid production, making them difficult to key in on defensively. Nowhere is the balance and low ego more apparent then their leading scorer coming off the bench.
Guard Play
Their backcourt is the engine — they handle the ball well, create offense, and play with confidence. This group is capable of controlling tempo and keeping the game competitive.
VCU Weaknesses
Size/Interior/Rebounding
VCU does not match up well physically with Illinois in the frontcourt. This could show up in rebounding, rim protection, and second-chance opportunities. The Illini crushed Penn on the glass and should do the same with the Rams
VCU Personnel
Terrence Hill Jr. (G)
The breakout star and go-to scorer. Hill leads the team in scoring and is coming off a massive 34-point performance in the first round. He’s a microwave coming off the bench. He can immediately come in a heat it up. He’ll take over stretches like her did against UNC in the first round — Illinois’ top perimeter priority.
Lazar Djokovic (F/C)
The anchor inside. Djokovic leads the team in rebounding and rim protection while also providing interior scoring. A First Team All-A-10 player, he’ll be tasked with battling Illinois’ size all night. He’s been in some foul trouble in recent games, it’s essentially to the Rams that he stay out of foul trouble in this one.
Nyk Lewis (G)
The A-10 Rookie of the Year and a major piece in the backcourt. Lewis brings scoring and playmaking and already showed up in the first round with a strong performance. He’s fearless and aggressive
Brandon Jennings (G)
A key two-way guard who impacts the game defensively and as a secondary ball-handler. He helps set the tone with pressure and activity. He made some plays in the UNC Game on the defensive end that changed the course of the game.
Jadrian Tracey (G/W)
A versatile veteran wing who can score, defend multiple positions, and provide stability. Important glue piece in the rotation.
Barry Evans Jr. (F)
An underrated contributor who can fill the stat sheet but he can also be invisible at times. He’s started every game this season. He’ll have to be active on the glass for the Rams in this one.
Key Rotation Pieces
- Michael Belle (F) – Expect major minutes from Belle. He grabbed seven rebounds in 31 minutes against UNC. He’s shot an incredibly high 51.3% from three but at a low volume. Typically 1-2 per game. He can do a little of everything and at 6’8 he’ll be needed in this one.
- Tyrell Ward (G/W) – LSU transfer, does a little bit of everything. Has shown the ability to shoot the three but his numbers are down this year.
Biggest Keys
Illinois’ Size and Rebounding Advantage
Illinois should have a clear edge inside. With their frontcourt size and rebounding ability, they can control. UNC outrebounded the Rams 44-39 in their opening round matchup. The Illini dominated Penn 48-25 in their first game.
Play a Full 40-minutes
Illinois has not lost to a team outside the KenPom Top 30 all year. VCU comes in ranked at 42. The Illini are the better team and should surge into a lead at some point but VCU will never give up. North Carolina had them down 19 before they crawled all the way back. If Illinois gets a lead they must keep their foot on the gas.
Containing Terrence Hill Jr.
VCU’s best path to an upset is a big game from Hill. If Illinois can limit his efficiency and force others to carry the scoring load, it significantly lowers VCU’s ceiling. He’s the guy that can get it going.
Game Outlook
This is a much more complete and confident opponent than Illinois saw in the first round.
VCU has the guard play and offensive efficiency to stay competitive, especially after the way they performed against North Carolina Tar Heels. But Illinois holds the advantage in size, depth, and overall offensive firepower.
Over time, those advantages — particularly on the glass — should start to take over.
Expect a competitive game early before Illinois begins to separate in the second half.
Predicted Scores
KenPom: 83-74 Illinois
Me: 80-72 Illinois