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The Virginia Cavaliers men's basketball team won its first NCAA Tournament Championship in 2019, defeating Texas Tech 85-77 in an overtime thriller. The Cavaliers, led by Coach Tony Bennett, showcased incredible resilience and clutch performances throughout the tournament, capping off an unforgettable comeback story. This win marked the first time Virginia claimed the national title in men's basketball and solidified their place in the sport's history.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 2019 |
| Date | 8 April 2019 |
| Opponent | Texas Tech |
| Final Score | 85-77 |
| Coach | Tony Bennett |
| Conference | ACC |
| Record | 35-3 (16-2) |
| Conference Finish | T-1st |
| Conference Tournament Finish | Lost in semifinals |
| NCAA Tournament Seed | No. 1 seed |
| NCAA Tournament Region | South Region |
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What You'll Learn
Virginia Cavaliers win their first NCAA Championship in 2019
The Virginia Cavaliers men's basketball team won its first-ever NCAA Tournament Championship in 2019. The team, representing the University of Virginia, defeated the Texas Tech Raiders 85-77 in an overtime thriller in Minneapolis. This was the first time since 2008 that a National Championship game had gone into overtime.
The Cavaliers, led by Coach Tony Bennett, had a historic season, finishing with a 35-3 record and breaking the school record for wins in a single season. They were the first No. 1 seed to lose to a No. 16 seed in the NCAA tournament the previous year, but they bounced back to become national champions in 2019.
The Cavaliers' road to the championship was not easy, as they survived five rounds to make it to the final game. In the championship game, they faced a tough Texas Tech team, but Virginia's defense clamped down on Texas Tech's best player, Jarrett Culver, holding him to just 5-for-22 shooting. Virginia's De'Andre Hunter had a career night, scoring 27 points, including a three-pointer with 12 seconds left to send the game into overtime.
The Cavaliers' victory was not only significant because it was their first-ever national championship but also because it challenged misconceptions about the tempo and style of play needed to win a title. Despite having the slowest pace nationally, Virginia's efficiency and strong defense allowed them to outperform their opponents.
The 2019 NCAA Tournament Championship was a historic and memorable moment for the Virginia Cavaliers, their fans, and the University of Virginia, as they finally claimed the top spot in college basketball.
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Cavaliers beat Texas Tech 85-77 in overtime
The Virginia Cavaliers men's basketball team won its first-ever NCAA Tournament Championship in 2019. The Cavaliers beat Texas Tech 85-77 in overtime to win their first national title.
The Cavaliers, also known as the Wahoos, were led by Coach Tony Bennett. They had a record of 35-3 for the season, breaking the school record for wins in a single season. They were the first first-time champions of the NCAA Tournament since the University of Florida 13 years earlier.
The Cavaliers built multiple double-digit leads in the game, but Texas Tech kept it close. With just 22 seconds remaining, Texas Tech's Norense Odiase capped off a 7-0 run with a pair of free throws to put the Red Raiders up by three points. However, Virginia's Ty Jerome drove towards the basket and fed De'Andre Hunter, who hit a three-pointer to send the game to overtime.
In overtime, Virginia outscored Texas Tech 17-9 to seal the victory. Hunter had a game-high 27 points, while Jarrett Culver led Texas Tech with 15 points. The Cavaliers' win was described as "the most redemptive season in the history of college basketball" by ESPN, as they had suffered a disappointing loss in the previous year's tournament.
The Cavaliers' victory challenged misconceptions about the style of play needed to win a championship. Despite having the slowest pace nationally, they were highly efficient, ranking second in offensive efficiency and fifth in defensive efficiency. They also took great care of the ball, with the 12th-best turnover percentage, and made almost 40% of their three-point attempts.
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Cavaliers' coach Tony Bennett calls it a united pursuit
The Virginia Cavaliers men's basketball team won its first NCAA Tournament Championship in 2019. The Cavaliers won the NCAA Division I men's basketball championship with an 85-77 overtime victory over Texas Tech. The Cavaliers were led by coach Tony Bennett, who helped the team achieve this feat.
Tony Bennett, the former head coach of the Virginia Cavaliers men's basketball team, is a legendary figure in the program's history. In 15 seasons as the Cavaliers' head coach, Bennett led the team to remarkable success, including the 2019 national championship. His impact on the Cavaliers can be described as a united pursuit, characterised by a strong culture, player development, and defensive excellence.
Bennett's Cavaliers were known for their unique style of play, emphasising defence and efficiency. Despite criticism from outsiders, the team found success with a slow tempo, ranking last nationally in adjusted tempo. However, they excelled in offensive and defensive efficiency, outsourcing their opponents by impressive margins. This style of play required discipline and a united effort from the entire team, demonstrating their commitment to a shared goal.
Bennett's impact extended beyond the court. He built a strong brand and culture around the Cavaliers, which fans passionately embraced. The team was known for its toughness during the regular season, even if they faced challenges in the postseason at times. Bennett's focus on player development is evident in the success of his players at the college level and beyond, with many of his former players finding success in the NBA, such as Malcolm Brogdon and Joe Harris.
Bennett's tenure as coach produced outstanding results. The Cavaliers earned 364 wins, the most in program history, and a 72.8% win percentage. They won six ACC regular season titles, two ACC tournament titles, and appeared in 10 NCAA Tournaments. Bennett's accomplishments were recognised with numerous honours, including five different national coach of the year awards and four ACC Coach of the Year awards.
In summary, Tony Bennett's leadership of the Virginia Cavaliers men's basketball team exemplified a united pursuit of excellence. Through a strong culture, player development, and a unique style of play, Bennett led the Cavaliers to their first national championship. His impact extended beyond the court, building a brand and a passionate fan base. Bennett's legacy will forever be intertwined with the success and identity of the Virginia Cavaliers men's basketball program.
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Cavaliers' record in 2019: 35-3, breaking the school record
The Virginia Cavaliers men's basketball team won its first NCAA Tournament Championship in 2019, breaking the school record for wins in a single season with a 35–3 record. The Cavaliers, as they are known, have been ranked in the Top 5 of the AP Poll more than 100 times since 1980 and have earned seven No. 1 seeds in the NCAA tournament.
The Cavaliers' 2019 season was a historic one, as they went from being on the wrong side of basketball history in 2018 to making amends and winning the championship in 2019. The Cavaliers won the NCAA Division I men's basketball championship with an 85-77 overtime victory over Texas Tech. This win was especially notable as it was the first time a first-time champion had won the NCAA Tournament since the University of Florida 13 years earlier. ESPN even called Virginia's championship run "the most redemptive season in the history of college basketball".
The Cavaliers' success in 2019 can be attributed to their efficiency on the court. Despite having the slowest pace nationally and often winning by scoring in the 60s, they outsourced their opponents by an impressive average margin. Their success can also be attributed to their strong defence, allowing opponents to make just 28.9% of their shots from deep.
The Cavaliers' 2019 roster included top players such as De'Andre Hunter, who had a career-high 27 points in the championship game, and Kyle Guy, who was named tournament MVP. The team was coached by Tony Bennett, who led the Cavaliers to their first NCAA Championship.
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Cavaliers' previous season: ranked 1st, lost to 16th-seed UMBC
The Virginia Cavaliers men's basketball team has a rich history, with many successful seasons. However, the 2017-2018 season ended in a disappointing loss for the Cavaliers, who were ranked 1st but suffered a shocking defeat at the hands of the 16th-seed UMBC Retrievers.
The Cavaliers, led by coach Tony Bennett, had dominated the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) standings that year, finishing with a remarkable 31-3 record. They were the first team in the ACC to finish with a perfect 16-2 conference record and secured another No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. With a strong defence that had only allowed 53 points per game on average, the Cavaliers were expected to breeze past the UMBC Retrievers, who were making their first NCAA Tournament appearance.
However, the 2018 NCAA Tournament would prove to be a historic upset. The University of Maryland-Baltimore County (UMBC) Retrievers, a little-known team, stunned the nation by defeating the Cavaliers 74-54. The Retrievers' high-scoring offence, led by senior guard Jairus Lyles' 28 points, overwhelmed Virginia. This victory marked the first time in NCAA Tournament history that a No. 16 seed had beaten a No. 1 seed, and it was a rout, with UMBC winning by a significant margin of 20 points.
The loss sent shockwaves through the basketball world, and the Cavaliers were left reeling from the unexpected defeat. It was a bitter end to an otherwise impressive season for Virginia, who had been seeking their first national championship. The UMBC Retrievers, on the other hand, made history and advanced to face the No. 9 seed, Kansas State, in the second round.
Despite the setback, the Cavaliers bounced back the following season. In 2019, they won their first NCAA Tournament Championship, breaking the school record for wins in a single season and silencing any doubts about their ability to win a title. This redemption run was hailed as "the most redemptive season in the history of college basketball" by ESPN.
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Frequently asked questions
Virginia won the national championship in 2019.
Virginia beat Texas Tech 85-77 in overtime to win the championship.
The coach of the Virginia team was Tony Bennett.
The Virginia men's basketball team is known as the Cavaliers.
