Virginia Basketball: Cavaliers win the National Championship

Virginia basketball has won the 2019 National Championship. The Cavaliers’ journey was never easy but what a finish to a sensational season.

What a story this is. Just over one year after becoming the first No. 1 seed to ever lose in the first round, Virginia basketball just cut down the final nets in Minneapolis as the national champions. Behind the stellar coaching and the elite trio of De’Andre Hunter, Kyle Guy, and Ty Jerome, the Cavaliers finished off the complete postseason 180 with a hard-fought victory over Texas Tech in the National Championship Game.

And while Virginia was certainly one of the favorites to win it all from the opening tip this season, their resilience should not be understated. Despite being criticized for their slow pace of play, the Cavaliers just handled their business night in and night out as one of the most well-rounded teams in the nation. With both their adjusted offense and defensive efficiency ratings ranked within the nation’s top-5, it was easy to see why the Cavaliers were extremely highly regarded but the doubters still existed.

They shouldn’t anymore.

Throughout the 2019 NCAA Tournament, the Virginia Cavaliers answered the call on both ends of the floor. And while they never really dominated any of their opponents, they found a way to come away victorious every single time. Against Purdue, it took an unbelievable shot by Mamadi Diakite to even reach overtime. Against Auburn in the Final Four, it took three free throws in the final second to move on. But the magic did not stop there.

With 22.5 seconds left in regulation of the National Championship game, Virginia had the ball trailing by three points. Did the Cavaliers have another miracle in them? Well, of course, because this run was sprinkled with pixie dust throughout. To initiate the possession, Ty Jerome made a quick drive to the basket before drawing help and finding a wide-open De’Andre Hunter in the corner…

Nothing but net. Onions. Overtime.

Then, in the extra period, when the Cavaliers trailed by one with 2:05 left to go, it was (guess who?) De’Andre Hunter once again. From the corner. Nothing but net. And from that point forward, the Cavaliers did not surrender up the lead. In traditional Virginia fashion, they defended tremendously well and took care of each possession offensively. And, when it mattered most, the Cavaliers calmly stepped to the free throw line and knocked down the crucial shots.

Virginia 85, Texas Tech 77. Final. In overtime.

What a storybook ending to an incredible season by the Virginia Cavaliers. Of course, they were one of the favorites to win it all throughout the year but actually making the run and surviving all of the doubters from the previous season should not be understated. For head coach Tony Bennett and his roster, it has to feel absolutely tremendous to prove everyone wrong and cut down the final nets. The loss to UMBC one year ago will now only be referenced with the addition of the fact that Virginia responded by winning the national title in the following season.

The Cavaliers finished the game by knocking down 14 consecutive free throws and they were led throughout the night by their three stars. De’Andre Hunter (27p/9r), Kyle Guy (24p/3r), and Ty Jerome (16p/6r/8a), in fitting fashion, carried the team in the biggest game of the year to take the victory. They were all absolutely tremendous and there are simply too many amazing storylines from this victory to count.

So, to put it simply: what a win, what a season. Congratulations to both Virginia and Texas Tech on tremendous performances throughout the year and thank you all for reading and following along throughout the year. Now, for one last time this season…Go Hoos.