Illinois Dominates VCU in NCAAB Showdown
Saturday, March 21, 2026, 8:15 PM ET · Bon Secours Wellness Arena
Illinois Fighting Illini 76, VCU Rams 55, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won VCU Rams vs Illinois Fighting Illini?
Illinois Fighting Illini beat VCU Rams 76-55 at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 21, 2026.
Who was favored in VCU Rams vs Illinois Fighting Illini?
Illinois Fighting Illini were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -750 (about 88% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena, the Illinois Fighting Illini triumphed over the VCU Rams with a final score of 76-55. This victory highlights Illinois' strong performance, particularly in a tournament setting, as they showcased their capabilities against a formidable opponent. Illinois, with a home record of 26-8, has been inconsistent lately, holding a 5-5 record in their last ten games, but they managed to secure this crucial win after a recent loss to the Wisconsin Badgers. Their average points scored in those ten games was 83.8, while they allowed an average of 73.3 points per game.
On the other hand, VCU entered the game with an impressive away record of 28-8 and had been on a six-game winning streak, boasting a record of 9-1 in their last ten games. They averaged 75.7 points scored and allowed 68.0 points during that stretch. Despite their recent form, VCU struggled to keep pace with Illinois, ultimately falling short in this contest.
Historically, Illinois has performed well at home, while VCU has shown strength on the road, but the matchup's outcome underscored Illinois' advantage in this particular game. The odds from DraftKings favored Illinois significantly, with a spread of -12.5 and a total set at 151.5. The home moneyline was priced at -750.0, while VCU's moneyline was at 525.0, indicating a strong belief in an Illinois victory.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any significant player absences that affected either team, allowing both squads to compete at full strength. The game was played under typical conditions for March basketball, with a lively crowd and an atmosphere charged with excitement.
As the game unfolded, Illinois established control early and maintained their lead throughout. Key moments included a series of scoring plays in the second half, such as Kylan Boswell's driving layup and Tomislav Ivisic's dunk, which helped extend Illinois' lead. VCU attempted to respond with three-pointers from Tyrell Ward and Ben Humrichous, but they were unable to mount a significant comeback.
Fans watching the game noted Illinois' offensive efficiency and defensive tenacity, which were critical in securing their victory. The final score of 76-55 reflects not just the outcome but also the contrasting trajectories of both teams leading into this matchup.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ILL -12.5 | 151.5 o -105 / u -115 | VCU Rams +525 · Illinois Fighting Illini -750 |
Leaders
- PointsAndrej Stojakovic21Illinois Fighting Illini
- AssistsDavid Mirkovic4Illinois Fighting Illini
- ReboundsTomislav Ivisic11Illinois Fighting Illini
- PointsTerrence Hill Jr.17VCU Rams
- AssistsBarry Evans2VCU Rams
- ReboundsTerrence Hill Jr.7VCU Rams
Recent form
Illinois Fighting Illini
Last 10: 5-5Streak L183.8 scored · 73.3 allowed per game3-3 at home
- L88-91vs Wisconsin BadgersMar 13
- W78-72at Maryland TerrapinsMar 8
- W80-54vs Oregon DucksMar 4
- L70-84vs Michigan WolverinesFeb 28
- L94-95at UCLA BruinsFeb 22
- W101-65at USC TrojansFeb 19
- W71-51vs Indiana HoosiersFeb 15
- L90-92vs Wisconsin BadgersFeb 11
- L82-85at Michigan State SpartansFeb 8
- W84-44vs Northwestern WildcatsFeb 5
VCU Rams
Last 10: 9-1Streak W675.7 scored · 68 allowed per game3-1 away
- W70-62vs Dayton FlyersMar 15
- W77-64vs Saint Joseph's HawksMar 14
- W71-66vs Duquesne DukesMar 13
- W68-62at Dayton FlyersMar 7
- W70-65vs George Mason PatriotsMar 4
- W82-63vs Fordham RamsFeb 28
- L75-88at Saint Louis BillikensFeb 21
- W89-75vs George Washington RevolutionariesFeb 18
- W78-67at Richmond SpidersFeb 14
- W77-68at La Salle ExplorersFeb 11
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Louis | 29-6 | - | 15-3 |
| VCU | 28-8 | - | 15-3 |
| Saint Joseph's | 24-12 | 2 | 13-5 |
| Dayton | 25-12 | 3 | 12-6 |
| George Mason | 23-10 | 4 | 11-7 |
| Davidson | 20-14 | 5 | 10-8 |
| Duquesne | 18-15 | 6 | 9-9 |
| George Washington | 19-16 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Fordham | 17-15 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Rhode Island | 16-16 | 8 | 7-11 |
| Richmond | 15-17 | 10 | 5-13 |
| La Salle | 9-23 | 10 | 5-13 |
| St. Bonaventure | 17-17 | 11 | 4-14 |
| Loyola Chicago | 9-24 | 11 | 4-14 |
| Michigan | 37-3 | - | 19-1 |
| Nebraska | 28-7 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Michigan State | 27-8 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Illinois | 28-9 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Wisconsin | 24-11 | 5 | 14-6 |
| Purdue | 30-9 | 6 | 13-7 |
| UCLA | 24-12 | 6 | 13-7 |
| Ohio State | 21-13 | 7 | 12-8 |
| Iowa | 24-13 | 9 | 10-10 |
| Indiana | 18-14 | 10 | 9-11 |
| Minnesota | 15-18 | 11 | 8-12 |
| USC | 18-14 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Washington | 16-17 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Rutgers | 14-20 | 13 | 6-14 |
| Northwestern | 15-19 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Oregon | 12-20 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Maryland | 12-21 | 15 | 4-16 |
| Penn State | 12-20 | 16 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | VCU Rams | Illinois Fighting Illini |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 23-66 | 28-58 |
| Field goal % | 35 | 48 |
| Three-pointers | 7-32 | 9-24 |
| Three-point % | 22 | 38 |
| Free throws | 2-6 | 11-17 |
| Free throw % | 33 | 65 |
| Rebounds | 29 | 45 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 17 | 33 |
| Assists | 8 | 15 |
| Steals | 8 | 5 |
| Blocks | 2 | 7 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 17 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 8 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 36 |
| Fouls | 15 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 2 | 25 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 1 | 90 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half23-26Andrej Stojakovic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half26-26Terrence Hill Jr. makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 1st Half28-26Terrence Hill Jr. makes 16-foot pullup jump shot
- 1st Half28-28Andrej Stojakovic makes 2-foot dunk
- 1st Half28-30Andrej Stojakovic makes driving layup
- 1st Half28-31Andrej Stojakovic makes free throw 1 of 1
- 1st Half28-33Andrej Stojakovic makes 10-foot pullup jump shot
- 1st Half28-35Andrej Stojakovic makes 11-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half28-38Keaton Wagler makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half28-41David Mirkovic makes 27-foot three point jumper (Tomislav Ivisic assists)
- 2nd Half30-41Barry Evans makes 7-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half30-43Tomislav Ivisic makes 0-foot dunk (David Mirkovic assists)
- 2nd Half32-43Jadrian Tracey makes 15-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half32-44Kylan Boswell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half32-46Zvonimir Ivisic makes 1-foot dunk (Kylan Boswell assists)
- 2nd Half32-49Kylan Boswell makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half32-50Andrej Stojakovic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half34-50Terrence Hill Jr. makes layup (Barry Evans assists)
- 2nd Half37-50Terrence Hill Jr. makes 26-foot three point jumper (Barry Evans assists)
- 2nd Half37-52Keaton Wagler makes 11-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half37-54Keaton Wagler makes layup (Ben Humrichous assists)
- 2nd Half37-56Andrej Stojakovic makes 1-foot dunk (Ben Humrichous assists)
- 2nd Half37-59Tomislav Ivisic makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kylan Boswell assists)
- 2nd Half40-59Jadrian Tracey makes 24-foot three point jumper (Brandon Jennings assists)
- 2nd Half40-61Kylan Boswell makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half40-63Keaton Wagler makes layup (Tomislav Ivisic assists)
- 2nd Half42-63Barry Evans makes 12-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half44-63Jadrian Tracey makes driving layup
- 2nd Half46-63Brandon Jennings makes 7-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half46-66Keaton Wagler makes 24-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half47-66Lazar Djokovic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-66Lazar Djokovic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-67Keaton Wagler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-69Kylan Boswell makes driving layup
- 2nd Half48-71Tomislav Ivisic makes 2-foot dunk (Andrej Stojakovic assists)
- 2nd Half51-71Tyrell Ward makes 22-foot three point jumper (Lazar Djokovic assists)
- 2nd Half51-73Andrej Stojakovic makes driving layup
- 2nd Half51-76Ben Humrichous makes 24-foot three point jumper (Keaton Wagler assists)
- 2nd Half53-76Jordan Tillery makes driving layup
- 2nd Half55-76Tyrell Ward makes driving layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Illinois Fighting Illini, below favours VCU Rams.
Venue
- Bon Secours Wellness ArenaGreenville, SC
- Attendance14178
- OfficialsMichael Greenstein, Brian Dorsey, Bill Covington Jr.
Elsewhere
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
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- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond
- All-SEC F Mitchell reenrolls at Missouri, avoids transfer battle
- Duke's Coach K Court to have sponsorship logo for first time
- Sankey, SEC 'prepared to contest' judge's order in Louisiana