The ugly basketball Virginia has undeniable results

In basketball, when does the incompetence of one team become an asset to the ability of the other team to provoke this incompetence? What separates a bad shot from a good defense? Well, the Cavaliers of Virginia do not need to think about these issues for now, as their boiling style has allowed them to beat Texas Tech in the title match Monday night, 85-77.

Virginia's strategy has been the subject of much criticism. Last year, the Cavaliers, who represented the slowest division of the country in Division I in terms of speed, became the first seeded number 1 seed in the men's tournament. Their tempo limits the number of their possessions, which limits their ability to overcome a deficit, which can lead to vain victories and worse losses. But tonight, and throughout the tournament this year, it has been successful.

The biggest advance of the Virginia match was 10, with 9:30 remaining in the second half, but as was the case against Auburn Saturday, they allowed Texas Tech to come back late. With 22 seconds left, the Red Raiders took a three-point lead on Norense Odiase's free throws. Then, De'Andre Hunter did that.

It was a great way to extend a match for the title that did not reach total 10 points until Ty Jerome scored three points with 13:41 to go in the first period. Both teams jumped the bad score expected, resumed their shot in the second half and became more comfortable from three. Neither team went into overtime until a very sensible call after Hunter dropped the ball to Davide Moretti of Texas Tech. The officials watched the video and determined that Moretti was returning the ball, even though he never made a second move to try to touch him after his opponent hit him.

Only one seed has reached the Final Four, but there was no fanfare or deep Cinderella racing in this tournament. This, along with some useful referee appeals, kept things in Virginia's favor. It is shocking that the Cavaliers have won a title, even if it is not the case. It was a No. 1 seed, a team that won 30-3 in the regular season. It may be because of all the previous cases where a much lower opponent took advantage of his playing style. They always seem on the edge. But because of the lack of surprises this year, the Cavaliers were able to prepare against known teams that were somewhat familiar to them. Surprises have been reduced to a minimum. The Cavaliers were sticking to their plan, even though it had stalled them last year and ended in humiliation. They made sure that it would not happen again.