Virginia Commonwealth Rams (VCU)
Basketball NCAAB Bon Secours Wellness Arena Sat 21 Mar 18:50
Illinois Fighting Illini
  1. Prediction
  2. SGP Picks
  3. Odds
  4. Player Props
  5. Team Stats
  6. Standings

College Basketball Betting Preview: VCU vs Illinois

No. 11 VCU Rams face No. 3 Illinois Fighting Illini in this NCAA Tournament Second Round game at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, with tip-off scheduled for 18:50 on Saturday, March 21.

Will VCU Cover the Spread?

There’s a lot to like about VCU +10.5 when they meet Illinois. You can get odds of -102 and we need the Rams to avoid a sizeable defeat.

VCU Edged North Carolina in Overtime Thriller

The VCU Rams (28-7, 1st in A-10) advanced to the Second Round after an 82-78 overtime win over the North Carolina Tar Heels.

The Illinois Fighting Illini (25-8, 2nd in Big Ten) cruised past the Penn Quakers 105-70 in the First Round.

NCAAB Regular Season Overall PF PA N. Pts Home Away Strk
Illinois 2-0 232 115 117 2-0 0-0 2W
VCU 1-1 170 161 9 1-0 0-1 1L
View Full Standings

VCU vs Illinois Prediction & Picks

Get ready for VCU vs Illinois with all the betting angles covered, from an expert match prediction and correct score advice to player props and a custom bet builder.

Game Prediction

The line of +10.5 looks too big. VCU should be able to stay relatively close to their opponents and we are keen to snap up the -102 that the underdogs cover the spread in this NCAA Tournament contest.

The formbook is always a smart starting point when making basketball predictions. Up-to-date college hoops team news is just as important, while the stats we provide often reveal valuable insights.

Key VCU vs Illinois stats:

  • The +10.5 line has been covered by VCU in 7 consecutive games.
  • The +10.5 line has been covered by VCU in 19 of their last 20 games.
  • The +10.5 line has been covered by VCU in 18 of their last 19 games on the road.
  • The -10.5 line hasn’t been covered by Illinois in 6 of their last 10 games.
  • The -10.5 line hasn’t been covered by Illinois in 12 of their last 20 games.

VCU +10.5 Probability

According to the best betting apps, our pick has a 50.5% chance of delivering a return. However, our cappers in-depth research has found that the actual probability is closer to 60%. This is why we regard this as a value wager.

Looking for Bigger Odds?

If you want to pimp the odds about VCU against the spread, you might consider going down the Bet Builder route and combine this pick with other selections.

Before you bet, make sure to check out the latest offers. Our guide is packed with the best welcome bonuses from leading sportsbooks.

Our Game Prediction
VCU +10.5 @ -102 Bet Now BetMGM logo
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Disclosure: This preview contains affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. T&Cs apply. We only recommend licensed and regulated operators. See our Editorial Policy. Pick odds and lines reflect the price available at the time of publication (Mar 20, 23:03). Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
Published 23:03, 20 March 2026

Player Prop Picks

Top Pick: Keaton Wagler Over 4.5 Assists -130 BetMGM logo

Keaton Wagler (Illini) is available at -130 to secure Over 4.5 assists. We can back him when it comes to a Player Assists bet and hope that Overs comes in.

Latest Keaton Wagler Player Prop Odds


Lazar Djokovic Under 5.5 Rebounds -130 BetMGM logo

Lazar Djokovic (VCU) can be wagered to have Under 5.5 rebounds at -130. When it comes to Player Rebounds, we’re expecting him to make a total that falls below the line.

Latest Lazar Djokovic Player Prop Odds

Pick odds and lines correct at publication. Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Same Game Parlay Pick

Spread VCU +10.5
Totals Under 152.5
Player Assists Keaton Wagler Over 4.5

We’ve compiled a same game parlay that includes VCU +10.5 on the spread, along with Under 152.5 and Keaton Wagler (Illinois) to get Over 4.5 assists.

There are many options when you place a same game parlay. You can go through the available basketball lines and identify your favorite picks before combining the odds on the bet slip. Personalised wagering doesn’t come any better.

Pick odds and lines correct at publication. Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Correct Score Prediction

VCU VCU logo 70 - 78 Illinois logo Illinois

A 78-70 win for the Illini is clearly a risky bet although this could be an exciting correct score option where there’s the chance to enjoy a huge potential return.

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VCU vs Illinois Odds

The odds and lines below are updated regularly and may differ from the prices shown in our picks, which are captured at the time of publication.

Illini Big Favorites According to Latest Odds

With an estimated 88% chance of winning, the sportsbooks are taking no chances with their -714 betting odds about Illinois triumphing in this Second Round matchup. VCU Rams are the underdogs at +500 and they’re regarded as least likely to win.

The spread is 11.5 and the total points line is currently 150.5. A Total wager relates to the number of points that will be scored overall. If you want to bet Under 150.5, there are odds of -104.

The good news is that you’ll find a strong selection of game lines and team props for most college contests. The best basketball betting sites provide a wide range of pre-game and in-game wagering options.

Betting Lines & Odds
Keaton Wagler Favorite to Get the Most Buckets

Keaton Wagler is favorite when it comes to getting the most points. You can get -125 that he goes Over 17.5 points and -103 when it comes to Under.

Player Points
Keaton Wagler (Illinois)
Over 17.5
-125
Under 17.5
-103
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David Mirkovic (Illinois)
Over 16.5
-114
Under 16.5
-114
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Kylan Boswell (Illinois)
Over 11.5
-112
Under 11.5
-115
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Player Assists
Keaton Wagler (Illinois)
Over 5.5
+120
Under 5.5
-156
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Player Rebounds
David Mirkovic (Illinois)
Over 8.5
-111
Under 8.5
-116
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Lazar Djokovic (VCU)
Over 5.5
-100
Under 5.5
-130
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Tomislav Ivisic (Illinois)
Over 5.5
-125
Under 5.5
-103
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Keaton Wagler (Illinois)
Over 4.5
-114
Under 4.5
-114
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Micro Betting

Instead of focusing on the overall outcome, some bettors prefer to look at the college basketball micro betting lines. As the name suggests, it means placing short-term in-game wagers and this might include Next Field Goal, with the options being for a two-pointer or a three-pointer.

Live market odds and lines updated regularly. All odds subject to change. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
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Team Stats

Latest regular season and playoff games stats.

VCU logo VCU Stats
Illinois logo Illinois Stats
Moneyline
  • 9 wins and 1 defeat in the last 10 games
Moneyline
  • 5 wins and 5 defeats in the last 10 games
Point Spread
Point Spread
Total Points
Total Points

NCAAB Regular Season Table Select Season

Big Ten Overall PF PA N. Pts Home Away Strk
Illinois 2-0 232 115 117 2-0 0-0 2W
Michigan State 2-0 187 120 67 2-0 0-0 2W
Iowa 2-0 167 101 66 2-0 0-0 2W
UCLA 2-0 198 138 60 1-0 1-0 2W
Indiana 2-0 183 126 57 2-0 0-0 2W
Nebraska 2-0 173 122 51 2-0 0-0 2W
Minnesota 2-0 161 112 49 2-0 0-0 2W
Oregon 2-0 185 140 45 2-0 0-0 2W
Northwestern 2-0 164 125 39 2-0 0-0 2W
Wisconsin 2-0 148 132 16 2-0 0-0 2W
USC 1-0 95 63 32 1-0 0-0 1W
Rutgers 1-0 81 54 27 1-0 0-0 1W
Washington 1-0 90 76 14 1-0 0-0 1W
Penn State 2-1 269 232 37 2-0 0-1 1L
Maryland 1-1 170 153 17 1-0 0-1 1L
Ohio State 1-1 172 159 13 1-0 0-1 1W
Michigan 1-1 161 153 8 1-1 0-0 1L
Purdue 0-2 152 161 -9 0-2 0-0 2L
Atlantic 10 Overall PF PA N. Pts Home Away Strk
Richmond 3-0 286 176 110 2-0 1-0 3W
George Washington 2-0 166 100 66 2-0 0-0 2W
Rhode Island 2-0 187 125 62 2-0 0-0 2W
Loyola Chicago 2-0 153 105 48 2-0 0-0 2W
George Mason 2-0 150 105 45 2-0 0-0 2W
Saint Louis 2-0 182 151 31 1-0 1-0 2W
Davidson 2-0 164 137 27 1-0 1-0 2W
Saint Joseph's 2-0 149 130 19 2-0 0-0 2W
Duquesne 2-0 146 129 17 2-0 0-0 2W
St. Bonaventure 1-1 159 128 31 0-1 1-0 1W
Dayton 1-1 165 139 26 1-1 0-0 1L
VCU 1-1 170 161 9 1-0 0-1 1L
Fordham 1-1 148 158 -10 1-0 0-1 1W
La Salle 1-1 143 174 -31 1-0 0-1 1W
  • Overall = Overall Wins-Losses
  • PF = Total Points For
  • PA = Total Points Against
  • N. Pts = Point Differential
  • Home = Home Record
  • Away = Away Record
  • Strk = Current Streak

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