The Virginia Cavaliers beat the Texas Tech Red Raiders in overtime on Monday night to claim the national championship. That’s notable for any team, but this particular one is probably more relieved than just about any other before it.
I’m not going to draw out this long narrative of redemption for Virginia, as everyone else has already done plenty of that. Yes, they’re the first 1-seed to lose to a 16. Yes, they also managed to turn things around and win a title the following year. It’s impressive enough to win a championship at all.