(6) BYU takes on (11) VCU in a March Madness East Region first-round game this afternoon.
The Cougars enter the NCAA Tournament looking to bounce back from a tough 20-point loss to Houston in the Big 12 Tournament semifinal. Despite that setback, BYU boasts one of the most efficient offenses in the nation and has the upper hand in this matchup.
But VCU may have what it takes to be a spoiler. The Rams are riding momentum after winning the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament. More importantly, like Houston, they have one of the best defenses in college basketball.
VCU has four guards averaging over a steal per game this season — with senior Max Shugla leading the way with 1.8. Forward Luke Bamgboye has leveraged 2.2 blocks per game in just 16.5 minutes.
BYU, however, has a wealth of offensive firepower, led by junior sharpshooter Richie Saunders, who has come up big in their wins this season. Saunders is shooting 43% from three-point range.
For VCU to pull off the upset, the Rams will need to dictate the tempo with their defensive pressure and shut down BYU’s three-point shooting.
How to Watch BYU vs. VCU
The BYU-VCU game airs on TNT and streams on the TNT, Sling, and March Madness Live apps and websites.
You can also access TNT’s live stream through your existing cable, satellite, or streaming service packages — if TNT is included. For those without an existing subscription package that includes TNT, there is a way to watch the channel for free: through trials offered by DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, or YouTube TV.
As for the March Madness Live app or website, you’ll need a cable, satellite, or streaming subscription with TNT to watch the full game there. However, they offer a free 60-minute preview for those without subscription access to TNT.
(6) BYU vs. (11) VCU
Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025
Time: 4:05 PM Eastern
Venue: Ball Arena, Denver, CO
TV: TNT
Streaming: TNT, Sling, March Madness Live App, DirecTV Stream (free trial), Hulu + Live TV (free trial), YouTube TV (free trial)
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