Event of the Day: Virginia versus Texas Tech
Our event of the day is the National Championship game in the NCAA Division I as the Virginia Cavaliers take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The Cavaliers overcame Auburn in the final four on Saturday in dramatic fashion, as Kyle Guy dropped three free-throws with just 0.6 seconds left on the clock to give his side the lead and ultimately secure his side’s first ever National Championship appearance. Meanwhile, Texas Tech qualified in much less dramatic fashion and submitted an incredible performance against Michigan State to ease to a 61-51 victory in Minneapolis. Both sides merit themselves on their stingy defences that stifle opponents and smother their point-scoring threats. However, Virginia will have to offer more than a stubborn defence if they are to overcome tonight’s opponents, and coach Tony Bennett will likely turn to the dangerous Ty Jerome to inspire his side to victory. The 21-year-old point guard has been immense in the tournament, and finished with 21 points, nine rebounds and six assists in their Final Four game against Auburn. Though his performance was overshadowed by the clutch shooting of Kyle Guy, Texas Tech will be all too aware of Jerome’s scoring power and will certainly need to limit his influence on the game if they are to prevail in Minneapolis.
The Red Raiders have had a season to remember thus far and will be desperate to put the cherry on top by winning the National Championship tonight. Though they rank first in the country in defensive efficiency, and will no doubt rely on their rearguard tonight, Texas Tech are not short of offensive influencers. The Italian Davide Moretti has been immense shooting the ball this season, particularly from the perimeter where he has scored an incredible 46.3% of his shots. If Moretti’s shooting doesn’t provide Virginia’s defence with enough of a challenge, then senior Matt Mooney certainly will, with the 24-year-old coming into this game fresh from dropping 22 points in their Final Four matchup against Michigan State. With two of the nation’s best defences going head to head, it will likely come down to whose offence can create more problems for the opposing side, making for a very intriguing battle that cannot be missed! Don’t miss this one.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the Premier League where Chelsea will welcome West Ham to Stamford Bridge for what could be a crucial contest in the race for top four places. After Arsenal dropped points against Everton yesterday, Chelsea could leapfrog both Arsenal and Tottenham with a win tonight and move into third place, albeit having played an extra game. Elsewhere, the MLB season continues with a plethora of games to choose from, including the LA Angels versus the Milwaukee Brewers and the San Francisco Giants versus the San Diego Padres. There is also action in the Indian Premier League to look out for as Kings XI Punjab host Sunrisers Hyderabad who will be desperate for a win tonight as they look to keep touch with the top two. There is also some action in women’s tennis to watch out for as the Samsung Open gets underway today with the round of 32, where compatriots Svetlana Kuznetsova and Ekaterina Alexandrova will do battle for a place in the last 16.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by NCAA