Illini Face VCU in NCAA Showdown

0:00On March 21st, Illinois men's basketball team punched their ticket to the second round of the NCAA tournament with a solid win over. 14th-seated pin. The third-seated Illinois, now 25 wins and 8 losses, head into a matchup against 11th-seated VCU on Saturday at 6.50pm Central. Time. The game tips off at Bond Sea Course Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, airing on CBS. VCU comes in hot as Atlantic 10 champions with a 28-and-7 record. They pulled off a thrilling overtime upset against North Carolina in the first round, and boasts a pesky style with athletic guards who create chaos on. Defense. The Rams have won 17 of their last 18 games, holding foes under 70 points in their past seven outings. Illinois brings the nation's top ranked offense, powered by size and side from players like David Merkavik, and skill to match VCU's energy. The Alini have shown some slow-starts this season against weaker teams, though, which

1:00could spell trouble if they repeat that here. Fans and analysts see this as a test of focus before eyeing the sweet 16. Our staff preview leans heavily toward Illinois advancing, with predictions ranging from a close 71 to 67 grind to more comfortable. Margins like 91 to 85. Key for the Illinois will be dominating the paint and avoiding turnovers against VCU's pressure. Despite the battle of styles, but if Illinois stays aggressive early, they should roll into the next round and keep their tournament dreams alive.