The Virginia Cavaliers slipped by Auburn Saturday, 63-62, in heartbreaking fashion for the Tigers. After Auburn had taken a 4 point lead, 61-57, on 2 clutch free throws by Anfernee Mclemore with 17 seconds left after coming back from 57-47 deficit with 5;24 remaining, Kyle Guy sank what looked like an impossible 3 pointer with 9 seconds left. Jared Harper was fouled with 7 seconds left and sank 1 0f 2 free throws.
Auburn had fouls to give and fouled Virginia twice. On the second one, the replay showed that Ty Jerome had actually double dribbled, but the referees didn’t see it. On the inbounds with 1.5 seconds left, Guy got a three off just as the buzzer was close to sounding. Samir Doughty was defending and fouled Guy on the shot. It was very close, but was a foul. According to the rule, Doughty impeded Guy from completing the shot as he came down on him as Guy was finishing his shot. It was a tough call to make at the end of the game, but it was a legitimate foul. Down 62-60, Guy, an 81% free throw shooter, calmly and courageously sank all 3 free throws.
It was tough for Auburn fans to take. It was heartbreaking. But the call was accurate even though it looked like Auburn had won the game when Guy’s shot missed its mark.
Texas Tech soundly defeated Michigan State, 61-51, with their suffocating defense.
This should be quite a defensive battle tonight. Here are the details.
No.1 South Seed Virginia (34-3) vs. No.3 West Seed Texas Tech (31-6)
U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, (66,655)
8:20 PM CT
CBS
Jim, Grant, Bill, Trace
Studio: Ernie, Clark, Kenny, Chucksedo
UVA by 1
UVA has the top scoring defense in the country only allowing 55 points per game while the Red Raiders have the best defensive efficiency team in the country. UVA features superb shooters in Guy, Ty Jerome and De’Andre Hunter. I like Guy, Jerome and Hunter to be the difference here in an intensely fought game with defense and 3 point shooting at a premium. Jarrett Culver, Matt Mooney and the underrated explosive Red Raiders’ offense and superior defense will give Virginia everything they want, but I like Guy and company to sink one more bucket and earn UVA their first national championship in program history.
9 Responses
I agree with your analysis but I am for Texas Tech. I played golf with uncle Walter Scott yesterday and he was in full UVA gear and very pumped over the win vs AU. He was somewhat goofy. Great coverage this year of the tourney DW. I appreciate that.
Thanks Bama. I’m kind of for Texas Tech too.
Thanks for the great coverage of the tourney DW! This has been a really great tournament to watch and hopefully tonight’s game will be as close as you are predicting.
Thanks Walter! It should be a classic. These teams are closely matched. Thanks again.
Thank you for the preview to the game DW. Two great defenses. UVA has better outside shooters. Should be a very close game. I am pulling for Texas Tech.
Chris Beard has done an outstanding job this season. He is deserving of a special invitation to join the Gameological Society. In the event he does not accept the invitation we’ll make him LOGIC EMERITUS.
Love it Logic! I’m for Texas Tech too. Chris Beard is an outstanding coach as you so Logically stated.
Thanks DW! Beard is a deep thinker. That’s one of the prerequisites for joining the society. With his acumen he would be a perfect fit for the Gameological Society.
Great Big Dance coverage David.
I’m pulling for UVA tonight.
War Pearl- great run,……
On to The Masters after tonight!
You’re right on all counts, SH! Will have Augusta National preview, prediction on Wednesday. This is a hard year to pick the Masters. A lot of great players but not seeing any real favorite. Could be a Danny Willett type year. Hope not, but possible. Spieth playing better..Both he and Fowler played this past weekend and that’s a plus for them. Thanks Staige!