The BYU Cougars and the VCU Rams are set to clash in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament on Thursday, March 20th.
Tip-off is set for 3:05 p.m. central on TNT. BYU (24-9) is listed as a No. 6 seed, while VCU (28-6) is listed at No. 11.
Thursday’s game between BYU vs. VCU is the first outing for each team in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, where the winner will continue to play again on Saturday, March 22nd, against either No. 3 Wisconsin or No. 14 Montana.
Here is a preview of the game.
How to Watch BYU vs. VCU
Date: Thursday, Mar. 20, 2025
Time: 3:05 p.m. CT
TV Channel: TNT
Site: Ball Arena, Denver, Arena
BYU vs. VCU Betting Odds, Lines
Opening Line: BYU -3.5
Current Line: BYU -2.5
Over/Under: 146.5 (opened at 143.5)
BYU vs. VCU Predictions
While the BYU Cougars finished off the 2024-25 regular season as one of the Big 12’s best teams, they received a tough draw with an underrated VCU team. The Rams have become a trendy upset pick for many planning to fill out their bracket, however, BYU is no slouch on their end of the court. The Cougars succeeded nearly immediately under first-year head coach Kevin Young, who led the team to the NCAA Tournament and a 24-9 overall record. A few different athletes have shined in Provo this season, but none more than Richie Saunders, who was named to the All-Big 12 First Team and the league’s Most-Improved Player.
On the opposite end of the court, VCU is a team that thrives on both ends of the court. The Rams finished their regular season with the second-best offense in the Atlantic 10 and the best group outright on defense. The group is averaging 77.1 points per game while surrendering just 62.4 points to opponents. The Rams have four double-digit scorers on their squad who are all dangerous, but returning senior Max Shulga has continued to shine in his fifth year of college basketball, averaging 15.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. The matchup between him and Egor Demin should be a must-see TV.
While the 2.5-point line may scare off some betters looking to avoid an upset, BYU is prepared for a challenge. The Cougars have found ways to win on both ends of the court, surviving matchups against Iowa State (twice), Arizona, Kansas, and many more. Give me the Cougars to get the job done and cover.
BYU 89, VCU 81
ESPN Matchup Predictor: BYU 57.3% Chance of Winning
