The VCU Rams deserve more attention. Their 16-1 run over the past two months poses a serious threat, especially to a struggling North Carolina Tar Heels squad.
My VCU vs. North Carolina predictions and these March Madness picks believe there will be at least one upset to start the NCAA Tournament on Thursday, March 19.
VCU vs North Carolina prediction
Who will win VCU vs North Carolina?
VCU: Do not expect many upsets this March. Enjoy the ones we do get, even if they are from one-bucket underdogs like the VCU Rams.
The Rams have been playing do-or-die basketball for two months. They are used to the thrills of a single-elimination tournament, and that should provide them with a needed edge against North Carolina, which is lacking that needed intensity.
VCU vs North Carolina best bet: VCU moneyline (+120)
The VCU Rams have been walking a tightrope for the past two months. How much margin for error could they really have had, finishing the season 16-1 with a conference tournament championship and still landing an 11-seed?
Remember, the last four teams into the NCAA Tournament as at-larges land on the 11 line.
Living life on that edge can end badly, and in time it will, but it should provide some intensity against the North Carolina Tar Heels, particularly as they are without their best player and have lost their last two games.
COVERS INTEL: North Carolina freshman Caleb Wilson hasn’t played since Feb. 10 at Miami, leaving early with an injury that likely contributed to the Tar Heels’ loss. With Wilson sidelined, North Carolina has gone 2-4 against tournament-caliber teams over the past month, with five of those six games finishing Under their projected totals.
VCU vs North Carolina same-game parlay
As VCU neared its goal despite living on the brink for two months, its defense dialed up. VCU’s last five games all went Under their totals, though veteran guard Jadrian Tracey cleared this modest points prop in two of those.
Put faith in Tracey in this moment; he has more NCAA Tournament experience than anyone else in the Rams’ rotation, having advanced to the second round with Oregon in each of the last two years.
VCU vs North Carolina SGP
- VCU moneyline
- Under 152.5
- Jadrian Tracey Over 9.5 points
Our Big Dance SGP: Jadrian Tracey's Overdue March Moment
Tracey played legitimate minutes at Oregon, though he never contributed much in the NCAA Tournament.
He should get his moment on Thursday, especially against a North Carolina defense that has allowed opponents to shoot 34.5% from 3-point range.
As VCU’s best shooter, Tracey should exploit the Tar Heels’ weakness without hesitation.
VCU vs North Carolina SGP
- VCU moneyline
- Under 152.5
- Jadrian Tracey Over 9.5 points
- Jadrian Tracey Over 1.5 threes
- Jadrian Tracey Under 1.5 assists
VCU vs North Carolina odds
- Spread: VCU +2.5 (-110) | North Carolina -2.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: VCU +120 | North Carolina -150
- Over/Under: Over 152.5 (-110) | Under 152.5 (-110)
VCU vs North Carolina betting trend to know
VCU’s last five games went Under their totals by an average of 11.3 points. Find more college basketball betting trends for VCU vs. North Carolina.
How to watch VCU vs North Carolina
| Location | Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Greenville, SC |
| Date | Thursday, March 19, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 6:50 p.m. ET |
| TV | TNT |
VCU vs North Carolina key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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