Illinois Know Your Opponent: VCU Scouting Report
What does Illinois have to do to advance to the Sweet Sixteen?
Mar 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; VCU Rams guard Terrence Hill Jr. (6) celebrates after defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels in overtime of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images After dispatching Penn without too much consternation or a FranCon 6 level blow up, Illinois moves on to face VCU in the second round.
Just like the last time Illinois was a 3-seed two years ago, they get the Atlantic 10 Conference Champion after they upset a 6-seed, in this case the hapless, Caleb Wilson-less Tar Heels choking the game away. VCU is not the same as that Duquesne team two years ago. This is a top 50 team in the country, with talented players with experience playing for and against power conference opponents.
They are balanced offensively and defensively, with the 47th ranked offensive efficiency and 61st ranked defensive efficiency, per Torvik. Let’s take a quick look at who the Rams are, how they play, and what the Illini need to do to win. Players to Know Terrence Hill, 6-foot-3 sophomore guard Hill is the reason that VCU is in the second round, with a nuclear 34 points on 7-10 from three.
TERRENCE HILL HAD HIS MARCH MOMENT 🔥 34 points in 40 minutes off the bench and a game-winner to knock off UNC. pic. twitter.
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