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14h ago

VCU Stuns North Carolina in OT After 19-Point Rally, Advances to Face Illinois

The win punctuates Phil Martelli Jr.'s first season with his father in attendance.

Mar 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; VCU Rams guard Terrence Hill Jr. (6) hugs VCU Rams head coach Phil Martelli Jr. after defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels in overtime of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Eleventh-seeded VCU defeated No. 6 North Carolina 82-78 in overtime at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C.
  • The Rams erased a 19-point deficit, closing the game by outscoring the Tar Heels 45-22 over the final 18:48 of regulation and overtime.
  • Sophomore Terrence Hill Jr. scored 34 points, including 23 after halftime and a driving layup with 11 seconds left to force OT.
  • First-year head coach Phil Martelli Jr. shifted to a three-guard lineup down the stretch, a tactical change credited with fueling the comeback.
  • Phil Martelli Sr. celebrated from the stands, calling it "the greatest win in VCU history," as the Rams reached the Round of 32 for the first time since 2016 to meet No. 3 Illinois on Saturday.