March Madness First Round: VCU vs BYU Betting Odds & Predictions (March 20)
The #6 BYU Cougars (24-9) face the #11 VCU Rams (28-6) in a compelling March Madness first-round matchup at Ball Arena in Denver. Tip-off is set for 4:05pm ET on TNT.
Basketball players leap for ball
Both teams aim to break significant first-round droughts - VCU hasn't advanced since 2015-16, while BYU's last second-round appearance was in 2013-14.
Key Players:
- VCU: Max Shulga and Joe Bamisile (15.1 PPG each)
- BYU: Richie Saunders (16.0 PPG) and Egor Demin (10.3 PPG)
VCU brings the nation's eighth-best defense, allowing just 62.4 points per game. This defensive prowess could be crucial against BYU's normally potent offense, which struggled recently with a season-low 54 points against Houston.
Game Analysis:
- Spread: BYU -3.5
- Moneyline: BYU -162
- Total: 145.5
- Public Betting: 73% backing BYU, 69% favoring the over
Recent Form:
- VCU: Won 12 of last 13 games
- BYU: Won 9 of last 10 before Houston loss
Best Bet: VCU +3.5 (-112) Reasoning: VCU's elite defense matches up well against BYU's offense, particularly in containing key players like Demin, who struggled in the Big 12 Championship games (9 total points, 3-13 FG).
Statistical Edge: While BYU is 17-6 as favorites this season, VCU's defensive efficiency and recent momentum make them an attractive underdog pick in this matchup.
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