Here is your guide to tonight's matchup!
3 matchups to watch:
De'Andre Hunter (Virginia) v.s Jarrett Culver (Texas Tech)
A Potential NBA matchup in the future, these are two post players who are scoring machines and have played key roles in their respective teams earning a spot into the NCAA Tournament. Culver, a Lubbock native, has excelled in his Sophomore season, putting up an average of 18 points per game along with 6 rebounds. Although he’s a threat down low, Hunter will need to have the mobility to get outside and defend Culver’s three-point shooting. At the same time, Hunter is another post player who likes to get outside the arc and shoot. The First-Team All-ACC post player has been used by Tony Bennett in the paint as well as near the free-throw line as Hunter consistently knocks down the shots he’s given from virtually anywhere on the floor. He has a 42% 3-pt % as well as an average of 14.2 points per game.
2. Ty Jerome (Virginia) v.s Matt Mooney (Texas Tech)
Similar to a pitching matchup in baseball, the point guard battle in basketball is always a matchup that can greatly influence a game. If the point guard is not at his best, the entire team can falter as plays aren’t being called right and shots are missed; it’s up to the Point Guard to run the offense correctly and control the tempo of the game. In this national title game, two of the best Point Guards during this NCAA Tournament will go toe to toe, Mooney demonstrating his 3-pt shooting while Jerome showing his ability to work the ball inside and make smart passes to teammates, lading to open buckets. In a game at this level, watch for both of these guys to be influential in their teams’ scoring just as they were in the Semifinals on Saturday night.
3. Chris Beard (Texas Tech) v.s Tony Bennett (Virginia)
Neither of these two programs have ever won a national title, much less made it to the National Championship. However, under the tenure of these two coaches, that dream has become a reality and a bigger reality still awaits; a national title. Both of these coaches have similar styles, cool, calm and collected, which reflects on the play of their team. Watch for the excellent offenses both coaches have orchestrated to make this a high scoring battle.
Biggest moment of the NCAA Tournament
Virginia Cavaliers: With 0.6 seconds left on the clock, all-american Kyle Guy was fouled by Auburn’s Samir Doughty while shooting a three pointer in the NCAA Semifinal, Virginia losing 80-82. As a result, Guy went to the free-throw line to shoot three free throws. Amidst a stadium full of screaming fans, Guy knocked down all three, giving the Cavaliers a come-from-behind victory from the line.
Texas Tech Red Raiders: Clinging to a four point lead over the Spartans of Michigan State in the NCAA Semifinal, the Red Raiders picked up a quick, heads-up steal by Norense Odiase who then swiftly passed it over to Jarrett Culver who promptly knocked down the three and took away any momentum left for Michigan State.
International Game
As most know, basketball as a whole is one of the biggest sports on the planet, and that is reflected in the rosters of these two squads. Here is an interesting count (arranged by continent) of the international players in this year’s title game.
Australia/New Zealand
Jack Salt, Virginia, New Zealand
Kody Stattman, Virginia, Australia
Europe
Davide Moretti, Texas Tech, Italy
Josh Mballa, Texas Tech, France
Francesco Badocchi, Virginia, Italy
South America
Francisco Caffaro, Virginia, Argentina
Brandone Francis, Texas Tech, Dominican Republic
Africa
Mamadi Diakite, Virginia, Guinea
Enjoy the game! Tip-off at 8:20 ct on CBS.
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