Virginia vs. Texas Tech: Game Time, Odds, Predictions for NCAA Championship

Virginia is on the verge of the ultimate redemption. One year after becoming the first No. 1 seed to lose to a No. 16 seed, the Cavaliers are in the NCAA tournament final. Just one year after a famous, embarrassing loss, Virginia could put it all to bed with a win over No. 3 Texas Tech in the NCAA championship final.

The Cavaliers are in the final courtesy of the ice-cold veins of Kyle Guy, who sank three free-throws with 0.6 seconds on the clock to beat No. 5 Auburn 63-62 on Saturday. The foul call—entirely warranted or completely unnecessary, depending on who you ask—will be disputed for a long time coming, but its ramifications are set in stone. Virginia got the call, and Guy did what was needed to send his team to the title game. 

It's a fickle game, as shown in the photos below:

As for Texas Tech, forget about the football-school talk for now. The Red Raiders have run roughshod over most of their NCAA tournament opponents, with the biggest challenge coming in the Sweet 16 against No. 1 Gonzaga. Playing for a title-game spot on Saturday, Texas Tech dispatched Michigan State 61-51, setting up an epic clash with Virginia on Monday. 

Here's how to watch the game. 


No.1 Virginia vs. No.3 Texas Tech Game Info

When: Monday, April 8 at 9 p.m. ET

Where: U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis 

TV: CBS

Live Stream: NCAA.com

Odds: Virginia -120 (bet $120 to win $100), Texas Tech +110 (bet $100 to win $110)

Virginia has been a dominant force in the Atlantic Coast Conference over the past few years, with head coach Tony Bennett consistently trotting out disciplined, defensively-minded teams that can drive other squads absolutely mad. The slow, steady style of basketball has been the team's undoing in the past, but this year it's allowed them to carve a path to the NCAA tournament final. 

Guy started off slowly in the NCAA tournament, but has come into his own in the last three games, totaling 50 points and 17 rebounds since the Sweet 16 began. Mamadi Diakite and Ty Jerome have both come through in the clutch, making important contributions down the stretch. As long as the offense is in a groove, Virginia will be tough to beat on Monday. The expert coaching, defensive acumen and tenacity will be tough for Texas Tech to handle. 

Tom Pennington/Getty Images

As for Texas Tech, guard Matt Mooney has been the guy to believe in. In five tournament games, Mooney is averaging 13.8 points and 3.4 assists per contest while playing hard-nosed, lockdown defense. 

ESPN's Myron Medcalf pointed out his unlikely heroism:

Mooney isn't doing it alone, of course. Jarrett Culver has been uniformly excellent, using his entire skill set to give defenses fits throughout the tournament. Culver was instrumental down the stretch against Michigan State in the semifinal, hitting this clutch three-pointer to put the game to bed, per CBS Sports:

As a unit, the Red Raiders are tough as nails. They challenge every shot and are able to pressure teams for a full 40 minutes. Virginia has plenty of experience and a brilliant coach in Bennett, but the risky pick is the one to go with in this final. Look for the Red Raiders to pull off the upset, thought it won't be easy. 

Prediction: Texas Tech 66, Virginia 62

Odds are courtesy of OddsChecker and updated as of Sunday, April 7 at  8 a.m. ET.