Two free throws found the bottom of the net. The response, a sigh of relief. That feeling soon turned to hand-wringing anticipation and anxiety. Followers of Texas Tech, clinging to that one-possession lead over Virginia, begged the basketball Gods (at very least) for one last stop. The team whose signature was defense during the year and through this tournament, could surely be called on one more time. Twelve seconds left. Just one more stop!!!!
On the other end, the Virginia team and faithful, would put their trust in the hands of a shooter attempting a three-point shot. Just to tie. The ball found its way to the corner. The shooters, caught, released and sent a shot airborne. The ball made its flight. Respective fans and a nation at home watched the flight as the ball seemed to suspend for an eternity. It made its way down finding nothing but net. Tie game.
Texas Tech had regulation time to answer but couldn’t. The shot that drew Virginia even also put the Cavaliers ahead in the momentum column.
Momentum can be elusive and fickle. Texas Tech gained it, wiping out a double-digit deficit and gaining the lead. Now Virginia owned it. What happens all too often: momentum seized in regulation and taken into overtime, is hard to overcome. Chris Beard and Texas Tech were reminded in a cruel way. On the other side, Tony Bennett’s Virginia group realized another sterling comeback and fight through adversity. In overtime, 85-77 Virginia.
In a classic of this sort they say there is no loser. Just one team ahead as the clock hits 0:00. Might be true in the long run but on that Minneapolis night it was a tough sell. Especially if you felt the abject pain as that three-pointer went down those final seconds in regulation.
