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Illinois basketball vs VCU how to watch, series history, and players to watch

The Round of 32 is just a day away, and the Illinois basketball team has a big matchup against No. 11 seed VCU
ByRees Woodcock|
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Mar 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Zvonimir Ivisic (44) dunks the ball against the Penn Quakers in the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Mar 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Zvonimir Ivisic (44) dunks the ball against the Penn Quakers in the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Illinois basketball got a big win on Thursday night, but the celebrating is now over, as VCU awaits.

The Illini looked incredible against Penn. This is exactly what I was hoping for, and now Illinois gets a chance to knock off another double-digit seed to advance to the Sweet 16.

VCU is clearly tough, though. They knocked off a talented North Carolina squad in the first round, and now they have even more confidence. Illinois has to be ready for a battle.

Here is the Illinois basketball vs VCU how to watch, series history, and players to watch

  • Illinois basketball vs VCU – How to watch

Illinois moved on to the Round of 32, and the No. 3 seed will now face No. 11 VCU. This is a massive game that will decide which program moves on to the second weekend and the Sweet 16.

The Illinois vs VCU contest will take place on Saturday, March 21, at 6:50 p.m. CT/7:50 p.m. ET. We get the main channel, as CBS will televise the big matchup.

  • Illinois basketball vs VCU – Series history

I want to say there is a long history between Illinois and VCU. These two teams have been around the basketball universe for a while, but there has only ever been one matchup.

Illinois and VCU played in Miami, Florida, back in December 2016. Led by some incredible defense, the Illini took out the Rams, 64-46.

So, what I am saying is that Illinois is undefeated against VCU.

  • Illinois basketball vs VCU – Players to watch

I think the first player you have to recognize is Terrence Hill Jr. Illinois is familiar with getting to the second weekend of the NCAA tournament with a Terrance Shannon Jr., but it seems that Hill is just as electric.

In the game against North Carolina, Hill was going off. He can shoot from anywhere, and he has the stones to just lob shots up when you are least expecting it. For the season, he is averaging 14.9 points per game, but he showed up in a big way in the biggest spotlight against the Tar Heels, dropping 34 points and shooting 7-of-10 from three-point range.

I am interested in seeing how VCU’s big man, Lazar Djokovic, does against Illinois’ size. He stands at 6-foot-11, and I was impressed with Djokovic against North Carolina. This kid can play.

Illinois could give VCU some problems with our size. Throwing two 7-foot-1 or bigger players at them could cause problems. I think the Illini guard length will also be a bit of a shock.

I think David Mirkovic could feast once again. Djokovic might be wrapped up in guarding Tomislav Ivisic, so Mirkovic can bully his way into the paint. That might end up being the game plan on Saturday.

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