KEVIN CALLAHAN
(Host of South Jersey Sports Talk on RVNTV.com)
> Texas Tech (+1.5) Virginia
Took me all tourney, but dead sold on Texas Tech’s defense now. Really should’ve known their D is a maniac level when the Red Raiders pushed Villanova in the Elite Eight last year. They are the toughest team left in the tourney and will be the last one standing. Sure, Virginia is a sweet story going from the first No. 1 seed to be bounced out of the tourney in the first round last year to the final game this year, but the Cavaliers got their break against Auburn with the no-call double dribble and their will be no magical ending for coach Tony Bennett. Again, toughness is going to win this game and coach Chris Beard’s team contends every shot like it is game point. You just can’t duplicate that pressure in practice and no other team the Cavs faced in the tourney brings it on defense like the Red Raiders.
BILL RUSHTON
(Co-owner High Tides Restaurant)
> Texas Tech (+1.5) over Virginia
> Virginia Under (59.5)
Virginia couldn’t score 64 against a lesser defense and lesser coach on Saturday. Take Texas Tech with the points and UVA Under on Monday night and celebrate with Patrick Maholmes into the wee hours of the morning!
BRUCE LEFKOWITZ
(Penn Hall of Fame Player)
> Virginia (-1.5) over Texas Tech
It’s an old school classic: First one to 50 wins. Too bad there’s no shot clock. Both teams have had magical runs. Assuming the future NBA stars in Jarrett Culver and De’Andre Hunter neutralize each other, who’s guarding Kyle Guy? We are looking at the “other guys” to make a difference and Virginia seemingly has more of them. I think Mamadi Diakite makes the difference on the glass as Tech is still more reliant on three-pointers than Cavs. The story of redemption concludes. Take the Hoos and lay the point and a half.
MIKE VREEWYK
(Former Temple player)
> Texas Tech (+1.5) over Virginia
> Under (118)
It’s been a great experience being a guest picker for this year’s NCAA Tournament. I’m 8-10 so far, so I’m going to shoot for a final record of .500 with a pair of picks for the Championship Game. The line is Virginia -1.5, so basically you just need to pick a winner. I’m going to ride with a red-hot Texas Tech team as well as to go with the Under 118. This could be my One Shinning Moment!
KEN LANDIS
(Co-owner Chick's Deli)
> Texas Tech (+1.5) over Virginia
I haven’t gotten Texas Tech right this entire tournament. Tonight they will be crowned 2019 Champions when they win outright. Virginia is out of luck and buckets will be at a premium as the Red Raiders prevail.