BYU vs. VCU Prediction, Odds, Picks - NCAA Tournament First Round

Updated Mar. 20, 2025 3:27 p.m. ET

Data Skrive

The No. 6 seed BYU Cougars (24-9) and the No. 11 seed VCU Rams (28-6) will meet on Thursday at 4:05 p.m. ET in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. The contest airs on TNT.

NCAA BK

NCAA TOURNMENT - FIRST ROUND

The Cougars enter their game as a 2.5-point favorite against the Rams. The point total for the game is set at 148.5.

Keep reading to get everything you need to know ahead of wagering on the BYU-VCU contest.

BYU vs. VCU Game Information & Odds

When: Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 4:05 p.m. ET
Where: Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado
How to watch on TV: TNT
Live boxscore on FOX Sports

Cougars vs Rams Betting Information
Favorite	Spread	Favorite Spread Odds	Underdog Spread Odds	Total	Over Total Odds	Under Total Odds	Favorite Moneyline	Underdog Moneyline
Cougars	-2.5	-112	-108	148.5	-110	-120	-135	+114

BYU vs. VCU Prediction

Pick ATS: VCU (+2.5)
Pick OU: Under (148.5)
Prediction: BYU 73, VCU 72

Learn more about the BYU Cougars vs. the VCU Rams game on FOX Sports!

BYU vs. VCU Betting Insights

Betting Line Implied Predictions

Based on the spread and over/under, the implied score for the game is Cougars 76, Rams 73.
The Cougars have a 57.4% chance to collect the win in this matchup based on the moneyline's implied probability.
The Rams hold a 46.7% implied probability to win.

Key Spread Facts

BYU has compiled a 19-13-0 record against the spread this season.
VCU has won 20 games against the spread this season, while failing to cover 13 times.
BYU has an ATS record of 14-7 when playing as at least 2.5-point favorites this season.
VCU has been an underdog by 2.5 points or more this year once, and failed to cover the spread.

Key Total Facts

A total of 17 times so far this season, the Cougars and their opponent have combined to score more than 148.5 points.
Rams games have finished with over 148.5 points scored eight times this season.
These teams score 158.1 points per game combined, higher than the over/under for this matchup by 9.6.

Key Moneyline Facts

BYU has put together a 16-6 record in games when it was favored on the moneyline (winning 72.7% of those games).
VCU has lost both games it has played as underdogs this season.
When it has played as a moneyline favorite with odds of -135 or shorter, BYU has a record of 16-4 (80% win percentage).
VCU has played as an underdog of +114 or more once this season and lost that game.

BYU vs. VCU: 2024-25 Stats Comparison

	BYU	VCU
Points Scored Per Game (Rank)	81 (29)	77.1 (93)
Points Allowed (Rank)	70.9 (145)	62.4 (8)
Rebounds (Rank)	9.2 (147)	11.9 (13)
3pt Made (Rank)	10.7 (10)	9.5 (40)
Assists (Rank)	17.2 (10)	15 (79)
Turnovers (Rank)	11.4 (214)	10.9 (150)

BYU 2024-25 Key Players

Cougars Leaders
Name	GP	PTS	REB	ASST	STL	BLK	3PM
Richie Saunders	32	16	4.4	1.6	1.2	0.4	2.3
Egor Demin	30	10.3	3.8	5.4	1.2	0.4	1.2
Trevin Knell	33	9	2.4	1.2	0.9	0.1	2
Fousseyni Traore	33	8.6	5.3	1.4	0.3	0.4	0
Dawson Baker	33	7.6	1.9	1.3	0.5	0	1.2

VCU 2024-25 Key Players

Rams Leaders
Name	GP	PTS	REB	ASST	STL	BLK	3PM
Joseph Bamisile	34	15.1	5.1	1.9	1.1	0.7	1.8
Max Shulga	34	15.1	5.9	4	1.8	0.1	2
Phillip Russell	33	10.6	1.7	2.2	1.1	0	2.1
Zeb Jackson	29	10.4	3.7	2	1.1	0.1	1.4
Jack Clark	34	9.6	6.9	1.9	1	0.4	1.4