VCU returns to the NCAA tournament Friday, March 17, when it plays Saint Mary’s. The game will be live streamed on Sling, which offers half off the first month.

It’s the first time VCU is back after becoming the first team to forfeit a game in the show.

The Rams were an at-large team in the 68-team field in the 2021 event played solely in Indiana because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coach Mike Rhoades and guards Ace Baldwin and Jamir Watkins will return from that team on Friday, when the 12th-seeded Rams meet fifth-seeded Saint Mary’s in the West Region.

VCU got an automatic bid to the tournament by beating Dayton for the Atlantic 10 Conference title.

This year’s game may be a contrast of styles. VCU likes to play up-tempo. The Gaels, who have four Australians on the roster, play a patient style for coach Randy Bennett.

When is VCU-Saint Mary’s?

VCUand Saint Mary’s play in the first round of the NCAA tournament at 1 p.m. (2 p.m. ET) on Friday, March 17.

Streaming options

SlingTV

SlingTV is one of the cheaper live streaming services. It offers three different channel packages for its users: Sling Orange, Sling Blue and Sling Orange + Blue.

Sling Blue, which is offering half off the $40 a month for the first month, streams TruTV.

What TV channel is game on?

VCU and Saint Mary’s will be broadcast on TBS.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.