Virginia got redemption on Monday night as they won the NCAA national championship with an 85-77 overtime victory Texas Tech.

Virginia was a one seed this tournament but had been overlooked by other one seeds like Duke and North Carolina.

The Cavaliers had been the number one overall seed last year and had been the favorite to win it all. Then they lost in the first round to 16 seed UMBC.

That was the first time in NCAA tournament history that a 16 seed defeated a number one seed. That loss was tough for the team, but they knew had to come back strong this year.

Going into this tournament, though, no one gave Virginia a chance. All of the sports analysts said they would just choke again.

Yet Virginia’s defense was incredible in the regular season and in this year’s tournament.  The Cavaliers allowed only an average of 58.6 points in the tournament. Texas Tech also had a great defense, however, allowing an average of 55.8 points.

Virginia was the second team since 1979 to win a national championship without facing a number one seed or a number two seed.The last time that happened was in 1990 by UNLV.

Junior guard Kyle Guy was named 2019 Final Four most outstanding player. Guy scored 15 points in the Final Four game against Auburn and scored 24 points in Monday night’s win against Texas Tech.  

Everyone was talking about Duke’s star Zion Williamson coming into this tournament, but Guy really stepped up for Virginia. Without Guy, Virginia would not have won the national championship.

This is the first time in school history that Virginia won the national title, and after last year’s upset, it is particularly sweet.