Ill 76, VCU 55 · Final

AWAY · 28-8 VCU VCU 28-8

HOME · #13 · 26-8 Illinois @ #13 ILL 26-8

MENS COLLEGE BASKETBALL · NON-CONF FINAL FINAL 55 76 Greenville, SC

MENS COLLEGE BASKETBALL · NON-CONF SAT, MAR 21 12:06 AM Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Greenville

CBS ILL –11.5 · O/U 150.5

MAR 21 12:06A CBS ILL –11.5 · O/U 150.5

VCU

28-8

Illinois

#13 · 26-8

Final · 55 - 76

MENS COLLEGE BASKETBALL · NON-CONF Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Greenville

Sat, Mar 21 12:06 AM Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Greenville

CBS ILL –11.5 · O/U 150.5

Recap

Illinois dominated from start to finish, cruising past VCU in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament. The Fighting Illini struck fast with an 11-2 opening run, then put the game away with a devastating 15-2 burst that built their lead to double digits early. Illinois' suffocating defense was on full display, forcing VCU into a brutal 45-play scoring drought in the second half that essentially sealed the outcome. The Rams never threatened down the stretch. The 21-point victory was as lopsided as it looked, with Illinois extending their lead to a game-high 25 points and controlling both ends of the floor throughout. VCU's late layup from Tyrell Ward with 29 seconds remaining provided little more than a consolation score. The third seed advanced comfortably in a dominant defensive performance at the neutral site.