MINNEAPOLIS Fans of uptempo offenses arent going to be thrilled with the NCAA championship game matching Virginia and Texas Tech.
The finalists are defensive-minded teams that play many long possessions and dont score often in transition. This wont be a track meet kind of game. Tech leads the nation in defensive efficiency, the Cavaliers in scoring defense.
But Virginia is a superb shooting team, hitting 39 percent of its 3-pointers, and Tech has a standout in Jarrett Culver, who averages nearly 20 points per game. Culver had only 10 against Michigan State in the semifinals, so a big game may be in order.
The winner will celebrate their schools first national championship in mens basketball.
Time/TV: 8:20 p.m. CT, CBS
Of note: There is some injury news. Tech front-liner Tariq Owens wasnt with the team during media sessions on Sunday. He suffered an ankle sprain in Saturdays semifinal victory against Michigan State but Coach Chris Beard told a small group of reporters I expect him to be (available) but Im not sure what will happen. Theyll rehab it all day today. Third-seeded Tech looks to become the second Big 12 team to win a NCAA hoop championship, joining Kansas. The Red Raiders (31-6) played lock down defense on Michigan State in the semifinal triumph, holding the Spartans to 32 percent shooting and 51 points. Top-seed Virginia (34-3) is the nations top team in scoring defense, holding opponents to 55.5 points per game. Kyle Guys free throws with 0.6 seconds remaining were the difference in the Cavaliers semifinal victory over Auburn. Virginia blocked nine Tigers shots, five by Mamadi Diakite. Virginia has trailed in the second half of eight of its last nine games. Tech has been a betting underdog in its previous three tournament games and defeated Michigan, Gonzaga and Michigan State by an average margin of 11.7 points.
Line: Virginia by 1
Prediction: Texas Tech 61-58
