The Virginia Cavaliers are the only No. 1 seed in the Final Four and perhaps the most well-rounded team left.
Why Virginia can win the national championship
April 2, 2019 at 1:41PM
The Cavs can win low-scoring games, and as they proved in the South Region final, they can win shootouts, too.
Virginia ranks No. 1 in KenPom's overall rankings, No. 2 in adjusted offense efficiency and No. 5 in adjusted defensive efficiency.
In layman's terms: The Cavs are good in all areas.
Virginia leads the nation in fewest points allowed per game at 55.4. On offense, the Cavs prefer a slower pace that puts a premium on shot selection and taking care of the ball. They rank No. 1 in Division I in fewest turnovers per game (9.0), seventh in three-point shooting (39.4 percent) and sixth in fewest fouls per game (14.6). The Cavs don't beat themselves with wasted possessions, sloppy defense or reckless play.
They have two capable shooters and scorers in the backcourt in Kyle Guy and Ty Jerome, one of the most versatile players in college basketball in wing De'Andre Hunter, and quality size in the post with Mamadi Diakite and Jack Salt.
Guy, a third-team All-America, broke out of his shooting slump in an 80-75 overtime win over Purdue in the regional final. He had made only three of his 26 three-point attempts in three tournament games before Saturday, going 8-for-38 overall from the field. He found his touch against Purdue, making five of eight threes in the second half to finish with 25 points.
If Guy stays hot, the Cavs are difficult to defend because they have other scorers who will make teams pay for helping on Guy.
Virginia pulled a lot of pressure off its shoulders after finally making a Final Four again following previous flameouts. The Cavs are free of that narrative. They are talented enough to win two more games.
Amisha Ramlall burst on to the recruiting scene last season as a freshman and colleges, including the Gophers, quickly took notice.
