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.