As March rolls around, excitement for college basketball reaches fever pitch, particularly for teams like BYU and VCU gearing up for the NCAA Tournament. The upcoming matchup between the No. 6 seed Cougars and the No. 11 seed Rams is already drawing attention as it features contrasting styles of play. With BYU's recent hot streak and VCU's celebrated defense, it's shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable clashes of the tournament.
BYU heads into this game with an impressive record of 24-9, having won nine of its last ten games. Their notable victories include an impressive run that showcases their resilience and skill, with big wins against top-tier teams such as Baylor, Kansas, and Arizona. Much of BYU's success can be attributed to their star player, Richie Saunders, who is averaging 16 points per game while shooting a commendable 43.3% from beyond the arc. This talented guard is flanked by an array of capable teammates, including Egor Demin, who not only adds points but serves as a playmaker with an average of 5.4 assists per game.
On the other side, VCU boasts a strong record of 28-6. They’ve excelled in the Atlantic 10 this season, clinching an automatic NCAA bid by winning the conference tournament. This comes after a year when VCU was notably absent from the tournament, making this return significant for the program. VCU’s success is often credited to their mix of experience, physicality, and solid coaching under Ryan Odom, the mastermind who previously led UMBC in their historic upset of Virginia.
The Rams are particularly known for their defense, allowing just 62.4 points per game and holding opponents to 38.8% shooting from the field—figures that not only place them first in the A-10 but among the best in the nation. This defensive prowess is further underscored by their ranking as the 23rd best adjusted defense nationally according to KenPom. A key player for VCU is Max Shulga, who averages 15.0 points per game and could play a crucial role in the Rams' offensive efficiency alongside Joe Bamisile.
The upcoming game on March 20, 2025, at 4:05 PM ET in Denver, Colorado, promises high stakes and thrilling competition. With BYU favored at -2.5 points over VCU, according to DraftKings Sportsbook, basketball fans know it’s going to be a close match. The point total for the game is set at 143.5, indicating expectations for a dynamic offensive battle.
As both teams prepare for the clash of strengths—BYU’s explosive offense against VCU's stifling defense—the question remains: which style will prevail? For BYU, their ability to shoot from beyond the arc might be the key; their three-point shooting percentage sits at an impressive 37.1%, crucial for breaking through a tough VCU defense. Yet, VCU’s relentless defensive strategy has been a significant factor in their previous success.
The Cougars' depth will also be an asset, as Kevin Young's squad has ten solid players contributing consistently. This depth allows them to withstand fluctuations in shooting or offensive performance without collapsing under pressure. With nine players averaging at least 7.0 points, BYU can spread the floor and exploit any defensive mismatches thrown their way.
On their end, VCU must strike a balance between their physical style of play and generating enough offensive production against BYU's offense, which ranks among the best in the Big 12. They also need solid contributions from role players like Phillip Russell and Zeb Jackson to sustain any shooting surges and provide support to Bamisile and Shulga.
As both teams reflect on their paths to the NCAA Tournament, BYU's disappointment from last season's early exit at the hands of No. 11 Duquesne looms large. This year, they appear more equipped and better prepared to tackle the challenges of the tournament. VCU, meanwhile, has had a remarkable season and will look to redeem itself after missing last year's March Madness entirely.
Fate could very well hinge on the following matchup—how well BYU guards can handle VCU's aggressive baseline drives without succumbing to foul trouble, a situation that could limit their depth and effectiveness later in the game. Conversely, if VCU's defense can contain Saunders and keep him from finding open looks, they could tilt the game in their favor.
As the anticipation builds, both teams will be aiming to execute their strategies effectively. This tournament is notoriously unpredictable, and every possession counts. History shows that No. 11 seeds have had notable success against higher seeds in past tournaments. Will VCU pull off an upset, or will BYU’s firepower carry them into the next round?
All in all, this matchup promises to be a can’t-miss battle in the early rounds of the NCAA tournament, bringing passion and high stakes back to the basketball forefront.
